When you put your name in to run for a seat in the municipality, you know that should you be elected, you will make decisions that directly affect the daily lives of residents, families, local business and the community as a whole.
The key principles are integrity, accountability, respect, leadership and collaboration.
In return, you would expect the same from your constituents.
Representing a small town, you are well aware that being on town council means that;
-You will be out for dinner locally with friends or family and may be approached by a resident who has concerns, and your dinner will be interrupted for a few brief minutes.
-While at your daughter's volleyball game, you will be approached by some other parents with their concerns, and you will take that time to listen.
-Every week you will commit a few evenings for council meetings and prep.
What you aren't aware of or expecting at the time you throw your name in is;
-The disrespectful emails you will receive because you didn't vote the way one person wanted.
-Negative confrontation, while standing at the local coffee shop in line with your family.
-Local media demanding your autobiography.
-People showing up at your place of business and verbally attacking your family members.
-Being questioned on your intelligence.
-Your daughter coming home from school and saying a kid told her that her mother is in people's pockets because that's what they heard their parents say.
That is not okay.
When I ran for council, I promised to be honest, transparent and communicate with all.
Recently, The Lake Report sent a blanket email to all of council:
I did not respond to the email. Why, you ask?
The Lake Report along with other local papers have always been able to contact me directly for a phone interview, coffee interview, or to ask me to advertise for a local initiative.
Sending a blanket email, our Mayor told us that he would respond on behalf of all of council, so I respected that.
Had I responded, this would have been my response;
In my short time as a councillor, I have met with the following, in the presence of other council members to view presentations.
-Rainer Hummel
-Peller Limited
-many residents
This is part of our job.
I have not declared conflict on anything, as I have not had any conflict to date.
My first week as an elected official, I contacted the integrity commissioner with all the details of my personal business and received clearance letters on all.
The one item that will come before council is 343 York Road, and I will declare conflict on that specific location as it is my father's land.
When you live, work, and breathe in the town you represent, and are an engaged member of the community for over 30 years, as I have been, of course you will be questioned. I promised to be transparent and honest. I have and will continue to do so.
I just ask that it be done with the same integrity and respect that is expected from me.
Blanket email from Lake Report;
We simply want to give readers and the community some honest and forthright information – from you.
We will publish everyone’s answers in The Lake Report.
If you decline or choose not to answer, we will report that.
Do you have a personal, private or business relationship with anyone or any company that has or may have business before the Town of NOTL?
Please provide details, briefly.
Have you ever met privately with any person (including developers) having business with the Town of NOTL, discussed town matters with them in a venue other than a council or committee meeting?
Who and why?
In your time as a councillor, have you ever declared a conflict of interest due to a personal, business or professional relationship you have with anyone or any company that has or may have business before the Town of NOTL?
Please provide details, briefly. Is there anything else that residents of NOTL should know about any of your interactions or relationships in your capacity as an elected member of council?
We have asked for responses in writing by this Friday at noon and will let readers know what your elected representatives have to say about these important issues.