Though there is little competition this election year for the seats on the Albert Lea City Council, it nevertheless is a good backdrop for change.

In that spirit, we urge the members of the Albert Lea City Council to look into governing by policy.

Councils, boards and other governing bodies should not be in the business of administration. That’s what county, city and school executives are for.

Instead, they should be setting policies. When matters arise, the policy is followed.

That makes understanding what the council favors and disfavors much easier for the public, the staff and the business community.

Why? Because it allows the council to set expectations and reduces the need for staff and the public to read minds.

And it provides governing bodies with an understanding of their purpose, rather than just aimlessly handling matters as they come up.

In fact, there is a trademarked term called Policy Governance on how boards — whether they are government or business — should be run. It was developed by author John Carver, who sought to define the roles of boards, executives, staff and stakeholders.

It makes sense when you think about it. Does a board for General Mills set the price on Cheerios? No. But it creates a policy that influences and maybe even helps formulates the price.

Does the Minnesota Legislature decide whether you get your driver’s license? No, but it sets rules and regulations that become a factor in getting one.

Any governing board should look at its decisions of the past year and notice where decisions lacked policy and seemed more administrative than anything. These are cases where the decision was based on someone liking someone, or some idea just seemed good, or when the recommendation of an advisory panel was overturned without citing a policy reason, or there was confusion over who does what, or when accountability seemed to be lacking — among others.

Go to CarverGovernance.com for starters. And a Google search of “policy governance” reveals many governments using it.