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2010: running for deputy mayor?
19 December 2009
[indent]
Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag, metaphorically speaking. I was asked by John Edwards of the Connection if I planned to run next year, and my comments were at the forefront of a piece on the 2010 municipal election, this week.
Yes, I plan to run again. I have been considering whether to run for council or to try my hand at something more ambitious: deputy mayor.
Now while it's still too early to declare, it's something I've been thinking a lot about this past year. I've always felt I would run for council again, but only in the past year has the idea of running for deputy-mayor struck me.
Edwards reported in his article:
Well, that's a Readers' Digest version of a lengthier conversation.
I said that I found the county business both interesting and important to the community, yet under-represented by our two members. I feel that, despite Deputy Mayor Cooper's best efforts, council seldom gets a chance to comment on or get involved in, county issues that may affect this community. I want to help bring those to the table so we get more involved. For example the talks our mayor has been reported having with other communities about water and waste. Council has never been involved, even to approve the ideas. I think that sort of unilateral approach has to change and both mayor and deputy mayor need to involve council in those decisions.
Sandra is, of course, tossing around the idea of running for mayor herself. I thought we'd make a good team - more cooperative, more able to disagree without vituperation, more likely to work on common issues, less likely to be at each other's throats than her and the current mayor. We have worked well together in the past, too.
I also think this term the role of the deputy mayor has taken a beating at the hands of the mayor and respect needs to be restored to that position.
I also have the time and flexibility of schedule to be able to dedicate time to county issues and attend meetings, and will have more of it when my business sells*.
County issues are complex and wide-ranging. That complexity intrigues me and makes me want to get involved. Of course, some - like dump sites - are contentious and full of political traps, but I'm willing to listen to both sides of any issue, ask questions and weigh issues on their merit, not merely be swayed by political winds. I'm not so hidebound as be closed-minded about decisions when new information presents itself.
I also believe Collingwood's reputation at the county is low, perhaps at an all-time low. Last term, when Mayor Geddes was also county warden, Collingwood has a great relationship with the county, with both staff and other members of county council. This term it's been rocky at best. I would hope I could help mend some of that. Collingwood deserves it.
I've served on council now for six years - it'll be seven at the end of this term - and I'd like to continue to be involved. I think I have something positive to contribute to this community, and hope others agree. I may decide to run for deputy mayor, maybe for council. In either event, I'll be running again in 2010.
~~~~~
* It's been for sale the past two-plus years, but the economy has not been good for selling. Things are improving and I have been led to believe I can expect an offer shortly.
[/indent]
Yes, I plan to run again. I have been considering whether to run for council or to try my hand at something more ambitious: deputy mayor.
Now while it's still too early to declare, it's something I've been thinking a lot about this past year. I've always felt I would run for council again, but only in the past year has the idea of running for deputy-mayor struck me.
Edwards reported in his article:
Quote
Chadwick said he finds a lot of the issues at the county interesting and would like to be more involved.
"I like being involved in that kind of thing," he said. "Collingwood's reputation at the county has suffered this term. I'd like to be able to have a voice."
"I like being involved in that kind of thing," he said. "Collingwood's reputation at the county has suffered this term. I'd like to be able to have a voice."
Well, that's a Readers' Digest version of a lengthier conversation.
I said that I found the county business both interesting and important to the community, yet under-represented by our two members. I feel that, despite Deputy Mayor Cooper's best efforts, council seldom gets a chance to comment on or get involved in, county issues that may affect this community. I want to help bring those to the table so we get more involved. For example the talks our mayor has been reported having with other communities about water and waste. Council has never been involved, even to approve the ideas. I think that sort of unilateral approach has to change and both mayor and deputy mayor need to involve council in those decisions.
Sandra is, of course, tossing around the idea of running for mayor herself. I thought we'd make a good team - more cooperative, more able to disagree without vituperation, more likely to work on common issues, less likely to be at each other's throats than her and the current mayor. We have worked well together in the past, too.
I also think this term the role of the deputy mayor has taken a beating at the hands of the mayor and respect needs to be restored to that position.
I also have the time and flexibility of schedule to be able to dedicate time to county issues and attend meetings, and will have more of it when my business sells*.
County issues are complex and wide-ranging. That complexity intrigues me and makes me want to get involved. Of course, some - like dump sites - are contentious and full of political traps, but I'm willing to listen to both sides of any issue, ask questions and weigh issues on their merit, not merely be swayed by political winds. I'm not so hidebound as be closed-minded about decisions when new information presents itself.
I also believe Collingwood's reputation at the county is low, perhaps at an all-time low. Last term, when Mayor Geddes was also county warden, Collingwood has a great relationship with the county, with both staff and other members of county council. This term it's been rocky at best. I would hope I could help mend some of that. Collingwood deserves it.
I've served on council now for six years - it'll be seven at the end of this term - and I'd like to continue to be involved. I think I have something positive to contribute to this community, and hope others agree. I may decide to run for deputy mayor, maybe for council. In either event, I'll be running again in 2010.
~~~~~
* It's been for sale the past two-plus years, but the economy has not been good for selling. Things are improving and I have been led to believe I can expect an offer shortly.
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I believe that you and Sandra Cooper would make an effective municipal team.