Running for Council?

Over the past couple of weeks I have been approached by a couple of people who are interested in running for Council. Throughout the conversations two themes were discussed: 1. The Issues; and 2. Effectiveness: How can I be effective? Before addressing those questions let me say this: it is a great time to be a Councillor, or Mayor, because of the variety of opportunities and challenges we have before us such as the commercial, industrial, and residential growth opportunities and the need for greater regional collaboration. For the next three years we will be overseeing a lot of growth and other changes.

Here is some background information on the Town of Kindersley:

• more than $90 million in assets.
• about $14 million budget.
• more than 5,000 customers.
• more than 5,000 people with their own aspirations.
• a very broad range of residents with different socio-economic realities.
• an infrastructure deficit (asset cost recovery) of ~$40 million.
• a changing financial and regulatory environment.
• increased demand for new and expanded infrastructure in a tight fiscal environment.
• partnering with a variety of municipal and business partners across West Central SK, Saskatchewan, and Canada.

Question 1: The Issues

This list is not exhaustive and there may even be some overlap:

• Economic Development,
• Funding/Revenue/Taxes,
• Governance,
• Growth,
• Health,
• Housing,
• Infrastructure,
• Quality of Life,
• Regional Partnerships,
• What would you add?

Question 2: Effectiveness

Here are some of the qualities I think are needed for effectiveness. Again this list is not exhaustive and you may disagree.

Personal

• Understand why you are running for office.
• What is your vision for Kindersley?
• What values are important to you?
• What issues are important to you?
• What is your big idea for Kindersley?
• Are you able to work outside of your comfort zone?
• Are you committed to getting the job done?

Teamwork

• Can you work collaboratively with a variety of individuals and groups on a wide range of issues?
• Are you able and willing to help others including colleagues you may disagree with?
• Are you able to listen to all sides of an issue/conflict to work towards the best solution?
• Can you work with people you normally wouldn't work or play with?
• Do you like seeing others succeed?
• Can you keep confidences?

Attributes

• Are you a leader?
• Keep in mind there are different types of leaders and all types are needed.
• Can you speak in public and articulate your thoughts?
• Are you a reflective thinker?
• Can you think abstractly?

Council

• Council's job is to make policies, contribute to and pass a budget, pass bylaws:
• Often we are also called into other issues both big and small such as healthcare, which is not a municipal issue, or a dispute between neighbours.
• Are you able to work with other levels of government, other municipalities, and companies?
• Can you celebrate Kindersley and take pride in her regardless if it's one of her most beautiful or ugly moments?
• What type of community will our children and grandchildren inherit when our turn is over?

• Have I forgotten anything because there is more and it takes a variety of people to make wise decisions?

At the end of the term each Councillor has to accept responsibility for their effectiveness, and ultimately, success of their term. The key to the success of Council, is the success of a Councillor; and the key for success of a Councillor, is the success of Council. There also needs to be a healthy dynamic between Council and Administration as Administration implements the policies, budgets, and bylaws of Council.

Finally, if a Councillor, Council, Mayor, and Administration fail, then so to does the community. Elected officials have a lot of responsibility because we not only provide arts and recreation facilities, roads, sanitation, waste management, and water infrastructure, but municipalities are also expected to create an environment in which businesses and individuals have opportunities to succeed and flourish.

On a personal note: being Mayor has been more rewarding than I anticipated and I hope it is for my colleagues on Council as well. I want to encourage you to run, and if you are successful, then I am very much looking forward to working with you on Council to ensure Kindersley is a healthy and vibrant community for us and our children.

Email me if you want to talk more about Council.

Good Luck!