You expect more from your council. Discernment, emotional intelligence, and sound decision-making. In addition to having good character, being a member of your council means learning the highest standards for the job. I will make sure our council goes through mandatory training to serve our residents best.
“The bucks stops here.” As a municipality, council, and staff, we share our wins together. Ultimately, when the problems in St. Stephen are not being addressed adequately, the mayor, as team leader, takes responsibility. I am committed to moving plans forward – or explaining to residents why their needs are not being met.
It’s crucial that residents be able to speak to their mayor and council directly with questions and concerns. In addition to direct email, calls, and 1-on-1s, I will ensure that residents can speak freely and publicly at monthly Committee of the Whole council and Regular Council meetings.
Residents need to know what’s being decided in the municipality and why. As mayor, I’ll explain what’s on the agenda before every Committee of the Whole and Regular Council meeting, and give an update about what transpired afterwards. That’s four personal updates every month in plain language via video, email, and paper newsletter, informing you about decisions being made on your behalf by your council.
Committee of the Whole meetings are a great place for formal deliberation with public input. General Council meetings are where formal decisions are made on residents’ behalf. What is missing is a place where mayor, council, and residents can discuss challenges and future plans informally. I’m committed to hosting Mayor’s Town Halls quarterly (every 3rd month) where we can dialogue what’s best for our municipality together.