HOW I LEAD

Over the past four years, I’ve learned that the best work happens when you trust the people around you, listen to different perspectives and stay focused on the work. I see the mayor as one part of a much bigger municipal team. It’s a different job, with different responsibilities, but it isn’t a more important one. My role is to listen, ask questions, make sure people have a chance to be heard and help us work well together.

That starts with listening. I bring my own perspective to Council, but I want to hear what the other eight councillors think too. I’m interested in different points of view, and I encourage people to speak up, especially when they see something differently. The strength of our Council is having nine people who all bring different ideas to the table. I want to hear all nine voices because we make better decisions when we do.

I also believe in doing the homework. I read the reports, ask questions and look at the numbers. I do my own research, look at what other communities are doing, and make a point of talking to people who know a lot more than I do in their respective fields. There’s usually more to an issue than what you see at first glance. And when we disagree, I believe in working things through with people. I’m open to different perspectives, and I’m willing to change my position when someone makes a good case. Sometimes those conversations take time. I think that’s time well spent.

I also believe in saying thank you. A lot of people contribute to the work of our municipality without ever getting much recognition for it. Staff, volunteers, community organizations, businesses and residents all play a part. When something goes well, I want to acknowledge the people who helped make it happen and share the credit.

I use the word “we” a lot. I do that deliberately. Because when I look at what we’ve accomplished over the past four years, I see the work of a lot of people. We’ve secured major funding, advanced important projects, improved how the municipality operates and built relationships that have helped us get things done. There’s no single person behind those results. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished, but I’m just as proud of ALL the people who made it possible.

That’s how I’ve approached this job for the past four years. And I think it’s working.