Everybody Loves a Good Football Analogy
Since I wrote my last article on Blythewood’s leadership standoff, I’ve received more emails, texts, and calls about municipal law than I ever imagined. Clearly, people want answers. I thought I had simplified the issue in the first article, but it appears many of our readers still have questions. So this time, I’m going to break it down in a way everyone can understand—by using a football analogy.
And how fitting, since the Super Bowl is this weekend. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just tuning in for the halftime show, everybody loves a good football analogy.
We all know that football is about strategy, leadership, and execution. It takes a great coach, strong players, and a focused front office to win.
And right now, Blythewood is in its own Super Bowl.
Game On! Blythewood is on the Field
Blythewood is no longer just a small town that people pass through on their way to a bigger destination. We’ve made it to the big leagues when it comes to municipalities. A multinational corporation is building a first-of-its-kind electric vehicle plant—not in our backyard, but in our front yard. This means we’re now on the radar internationally.
Whether we like it or not, all eyes are on us. We’re going to have people from all over the world visiting, relocating, and putting down roots in our town. Many of them will stay, and that will bring economic opportunity—but also growing pains.
Blythewood has always embodied small-town life, but we’re no longer going to be that. Change is coming, whether we like it or not—it is as certain as death and taxes. We have to be prepared for that change, and that includes how our town is governed. Our leadership, infrastructure, and policies will be tested, and how we handle this transition will determine whether we thrive or struggle.
Right now, we are not in pre-game planning anymore. The game has already started. We are on the field, and we are already playing. This isn’t the time for hype, practice, or strategy meetings in the locker room. The first quarter has passed, and we are at halftime. The next play we make will determine the outcome of the game.
The plant is being built. New neighborhoods, subdivisions, apartment complexes, roads, and highways are on the way. The groundwork is already in place—there’s no going back.
We are not in pre-game warmups, and we are not in the locker room anymore. We are on the field. The game is underway. We are at halftime. We are in the huddle. The only question is—are we ready to play to win, or are we about to fumble the biggest opportunity in our town’s history?
The Mayor is the Coach—The Council is the Front Office
For the sake of this conversation, let’s break this down in football terms. In this analogy, the Mayor is the Head Coach—he is responsible for leading the team, developing the game plan, and making strategic decisions to position the town for success. Meanwhile, the Town Council is the Front Office—they oversee the budget, allocate resources, and ensure the team has what it needs to compete.
And just like in football, an effective team requires a strong front office. The front office controls the salary cap, negotiates contracts, and makes sure the coach has the budget to bring in the right players. Their role is critical to the success of the team. Without them, you end up with financial mismanagement, wasted resources, and a team that can’t compete.
But here’s the key question: Is the front office making decisions in good faith?
There is a difference between strategic oversight and blocking progress.
- Strategic oversight strengthens the team—it ensures smart investments, fair salaries, and the right balance of spending and saving.
- Obstruction weakens the team—when the front office denies the coach the tools needed to execute a winning strategy, they are not protecting the team, they are sabotaging it.
In football, every player has value. Some command higher salaries because their roles are crucial to the team’s success. The best front offices understand that value—they don’t just approve or deny contracts arbitrarily; they evaluate how each player contributes to the bigger picture.
The same applies here. The mayor has asked for two key defensive players—the Deputy Town Administrator and the Social Media Specialist—to help execute the town’s game plan effectively. It is the front office’s job to determine whether there is money in the budget for these players and to ensure that resources are allocated wisely. That is their right, and it is their responsibility.
But what happens when the front office starts making decisions that aren’t about the good of the team, but about controlling the coach? What happens when the budget becomes a tool for power rather than a tool for progress?
That is the real issue at hand. Is the council using its authority to build a championship team, or is it making decisions that will keep the team from competing at all?
At the end of the day, a great front office and a great coach must work together to build a winning team. That requires trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for success. The town is already on the field—it’s time to decide if we’re playing to win, or if we’re just letting internal politics dictate the game.
The Right Players for the Win: Defense Matters
We all know the adage, “Offense gets the glory, but defense wins the game.” The same applies here. The mayor, like any good coach, understands the importance of both offense and defense. Right now, he’s not asking for star quarterbacks or flashy wide receivers—he’s asking for two key defensive players to protect the town’s game plan and ensure success.
These roles are essential for keeping government operations running smoothly and ensuring effective communication with residents—especially as Blythewood prepares for growth. Some may question whether the town is big enough to need both positions now, but strong leadership isn’t about reacting to the present—it’s about anticipating the future.
Deputy Town Administrator = The Middle Linebacker (MLB)
- The MLB is the quarterback of the defense.
- They call plays, make adjustments, and ensure the team stays organized.
- The Deputy Town Administrator does the same for the town, handling day-to-day operations, infrastructure planning, and policy execution so the mayor can focus on leading.
Social Media Specialist/Digital Communications = The Free Safety (FS)
- The FS is the last line of defense, stopping major mistakes before they happen.
- They read plays, react quickly, and keep everything in check.
- The Social Media Specialist does the same, ensuring residents get accurate information, managing public perception, and promoting the town to attract business and investment.
- Oversees livestreaming and multimedia efforts, ensuring town meetings and key events are accessible to all residents, fostering government transparency and engagement.
- Manages digital storytelling, public relations, and media coordination, crafting a cohesive narrative that informs residents, engages external stakeholders, and enhances the town’s visibility.
These aren’t luxury positions—they are essential for playing defense in today’s world.
Are We Here to Win or Just Play Politics?
Right now, the Town Council has the ball, but the residents of Blythewood—like the owners of a football team—are watching. We’re watching the plays being called, watching who steps up, and watching who fumbles under pressure.
And just like in football, when the season ends, the owners don’t forget the game-changing moments—we remember them at election time.
