Political Hokey Pokey: Navigating Politics in Emergency Management

Political Hokey Pokey: Navigating Politics in Emergency Management  

By Jim Mullen

In a world where politics can often feel like a chaotic game of “hokey pokey,” it’s vital to remember that emergency management is about serving all communities in times of crisis—regardless of political or social affiliation.

We all remember that charming limerick from our childhood. Essentially, it describes how we put the right foot in and then out, followed by the left foot, in and out, and so on. 

It’s important to recall that this children’s dance had rules to be followed. One foot went first, then another, and the principle was that properly engaging in the activity was the point. No one entertained the possibility that that right or left foot, once “in,” would stay there indefinitely. That’s the way our government works, too. Each “side” (even the center, wherever that is) has a chance to take its turn. But the political “dance” can get very contentious – rules may be broken; toes may be stepped on.  Physical and psychological violence may result from the intent by some to change “what it’s all about.” 

Emergency managers, which I have suggested in this column, have typically avoided political issues like the plague; of course, even plagues/pandemics are sometimes inescapable. And recent political violence, and the promise of more, puts emergency managers in a very uncomfortable zone. The confidence we had in the application of the Code of Federal Regulations could be shaken- what if a President decided a particular state was “unworthy” of federal assistance after a disaster? What if federal grant support formulae were altered to reward some jurisdictions at the expense of others? 

While it is imperative that emergency managers be educated about current issues that derive from historical movements, that tendency to stay under the radar and just do one’s job might be the best route for emergency management in the coming years. I stopped contributing to political campaigns in 1992 because I felt EM directors had to remain open to serving any executive in a crisis. When an executive leader entered my emergency operations center, I wanted their confidence that my team’s focus was solely on the issue at hand, and to make certain that the leader at that moment was well served, because that served his/her constituents.  

The political and social “dance” continues all around us. It’s a little scary, whichever side you are on and whether you are a spectator or taking an active part. But, emergency managers, remember this: you have the best job. During a crisis, when we all need each other, we don’t care about the political orientation of victims in distress. We don’t care about their gender identity, their citizenship status, their personal wealth, or lack of it. We don’t care if one is a lifetime hater of government because we can help you recover, along with everyone else, so you can return to hating your government as soon as humanly possible! And we’ll be there for you the next time, too. And that’s what it’s all about.