{"id":6077,"date":"2013-09-03T14:35:43","date_gmt":"2013-09-03T18:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ianchadwick.com\/blog\/?p=6077"},"modified":"2013-09-03T14:41:24","modified_gmt":"2013-09-03T18:41:24","slug":"what-is-a-councillors-role","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ianchadwick.com\/blog\/what-is-a-councillors-role\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a councillor’s role?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A question was asked of me recently about the appropriateness<\/strong> of the Deputy Mayor being at a meeting last summer to discuss the possible purchase of the new recreational facility structures. From the question I inferred that the asker did not approve of a politician being there.<\/p>\n

I disagree, and made my point that it was<\/em> appropriate.\u00a0It was hardly a secret meeting – it included numerous staff, plus the acting CAO. And the DM was invited to attend by staff, not the other way around.<\/p>\n

First, \u00a0the DM is both chair of the budget process and council’s liaison with the Works Department. Who on council would be more appropriate to have at that meeting?<\/p>\n

The DM would know and understand the fiscal challenges and opportunities better than any other member because of his history guiding the budget process every year. Plus as Works liaison, he knows what other projects are underway and being contemplated – and how they have to be coordinated with staff in planning and parks, recreation and culture, what services and resources are necessary and available.<\/p>\n

The DM alone can’t direct staff – it takes a majority (usually at least at least five members) of council to do that. The proposal as staff determined it had to come to council for approval and confirmation. The DM could hear the arguments pro and con, and raise questions and concerns so that at least the presenters might be able to prepare for possible questions or objections from the table. Staff can make sure these salient points get included in any presentation.<\/p>\n

In that way, council might avoid the sort of hour-long round-robin discussion we had about the proposed dog park (much of which seemed to revolve around questions about the choice of base material in the park). That meandering debate ended up going nowhere because staff were unprepared to answer the questions raised at the table.<\/p>\n

Having someone to suggest possible objections or questions can streamline the process and make it more efficient. We have no need to return to the often indecisive and divisive five- and six-hour meetings of last term.<\/p>\n

Second, as the council member who asked staff to look into the structures, the DM would be the one to present any motion to the table. Isn’t it appropriate that he learn all the sides, all the issues, understand the costs and the complexities, before presenting it to the table? You can’t defend what you don’t understand (or at least you shouldn’t try to). See the notes from the Municipal Act, below.<\/p>\n

Third, politicians are elected to lead. Not to rubber stamp staff’s ideas or proposals. We should be meeting with staff, with the private sector, with residents, looking for ideas, opportunities and challenges trying to uncover solutions, partnerships and innovations. We have a larger role outside the table than is seen in our Monday night meetings.\u00a0Our work at the table is only the tip of the iceberg of work we do. Or should<\/em> do.<\/p>\n

We are not elected to sit at home, in some cocoon, avoiding any contact with the outside world. We need to be active and engaged, if we are to champion or challenge issues. A good politician is one who is actively engaged, not just passive. \u00a0We are part<\/em> of the process, not separate from it.\u00a0\u00a0We are expected to use our own judgment in these situations.<\/p>\n

To be able to do our job properly and effectively, we need to get all<\/em> the input we can garner, to hear people’s ideas and concerns, discuss their projects, discuss the implications with staff. As long as there is no overriding legal issue – such as a potential breach of confidentiality or a liability concern – not to meet with our constituents and with staff is a failure to perform our roles.<\/p>\n

Politicians have to get involved, get their feet wet. We can’t sit on the sidelines. But we are not dictators who rule by autocratic decree. We need input from the people who have to implement our decisions in order to accomplish our goals – and the way to get that input is to meet with them.<\/p>\n

So, yes, it was<\/em> appropriate. It’s almost always appropriate that council meet with staff and the public to discuss upcoming issues, motions, initiatives and projects because we were elected to represent the populace and we can’t do it without being engaged.<\/p>\n

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Ontario’s Municipal Act<\/a>\u00a0says:<\/p>\n

224. It is the role of council<\/strong>,<\/p>\n