Heidi's Picks

George Washington was not an intellectual; he was not well-educated by the standards of the day; and he was NOT a military strategist. His only military knowledge came from what he had read in books.

But Washington lived in the Age of Enlightenment, a time when book learning was the most widely accepted avenue to intelligence.

So said David McCullough, the Pulitzer Prize winning historian, in an address to the BYU community on Tuesday.

Two hundred years and several technological revolutions later, books remain one of the most powerful avenues to intelligence.

So, borrowing one of Oprah's tricks, I share with you this list of titles I'm working through now:

Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide to the Economy, by Thomas Sowell. Throughout the book, Sowell laments the scarcity of politicians with training in economics.

How To Win a Local Election , by Judge Lawrence Gray.

Effective Public Relations, by Cutlip, Center and Broom. Interesting to learn that the history of PR dates back to ancient times. The need for effective PR in government extends well past election day. How I wish American Fork City would learn this lesson.

Saving the Neighborhood by Peggy Robin. A thoroughly comprehensive primer on how development works, and how neighborhoods can develop proactive relationships with city governments. Best quote of the book comes from Henry David Thoreau. He had been locked up in a paddy wagon for a recent episode of civil disobedience. His friend Ralph Waldo Emerson found him there, and said, in astonishment, "What are you doing in there?"

Answering, Thoreau said, in a rather accusing tone, "What are you doing OUT there?"

Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream, by Andres Duany, et al. How traditional neighborhood design benefits children, families, the environment, and the economy. This book has had a profound influence on my thinking about the importance of a good general plan.

I'm also working through these websites:

LocalVictory.com, a good overview of local elections in the electronic age

New York State's Guide to Generally Accepted Governmental Accounting Practices. I would prefer a Utah State guide, actually, but I can't find one on the web.

Finally, my current Newbery:

Up from Jericho Tel, by E.L. Konigsburg. Okay, you're right: this is not one of Konigsburg's two Newbery medal winners. Still, I adore Konigsburg for her quick wit and psychological profundity. I have learned, from long political experience, that there's nothing like a good Newbery to clear my head at night so I can sleep.