In six weeks the community will go to the polls to select seven individuals to lead our community. The decisions those individuals make will impact our community in very significant ways. As members of council they will be responsible for managing a $35 million operating budget, a multi-million-dollar capital budget and an organization with approximately 150 employees.
They represent the community in discussions with the federal government, provincial government, unions, Squamish Nation, media outlets, real estate developers, potential new businesses and a host of community groups. In short, the decisions your mayor and council make will impact your quality of life and all aspects of the community's economic, environmental and social well-being. It is my hope that you will give your role of electing a council the very serious analysis it deserves.
My suggestion for qualities to look for in a candidate who can make good decisions for you and your family would include:
Proven leadership experience - a track record of being successful in leading groups of people, whether that group is a non-profit organization, business, labour or community group, is essential. Leading is different than doing and council should not be a training ground.
Objective, balanced decision making - a great candidate will look carefully at an issue and analyze all the implications before reaching a decision. An effective member of council must be able to balance competing interests. He or she cannot simply represent her/his own narrow interests or biases. Councillors are elected to represent the entire community, not just a segment of it.
Community minded - another important consideration is a candidate who will make decisions that are in the best interests of the community rather than in the best interests of his or her own political future. Good decisions are not always popular.
Principles - once elected, there is tremendous pressure from a variety of sources. A good politician will stick to principled beliefs and processes. He/she will not waver from making a decision that is in the best interest of the community solely as a result of political or media pressure.
Vision - this is something much talked about but rarely defined. In my view, it is having goals for the community and then making decisions based on the long-term benefits rather than short-term expediencies.
Hard work - look for candidates who have a proven track record of working hard. Good politicians are willing to put significant time in to understand the issues and implement change.
Positivity - The easiest thing to do is to criticize the work of others. Look for politicians who have a successful track record of finding and implementing positive solutions.
In summary, you should be supporting and voting for someone you would have confidence in making decisions for your family, your finances, and the place where you live because that is exactly what an elected mayor and council does.
Please vote on Nov. 19.
