A Vote on ALL Issues
After being elected, I have always operated my council business as a councillor that represents everyone in the Town of Essex. All councillors vote on every item so it just makes good sense becoming knowledgeable and connected throughout the entire Town. It is important. Essex council has decided to keep the ward system to protect the individual interests of all areas of our town but after the election all councillors are accountable to all residents in the municipality. Would you want a councillor who is not familiar with an issue voting on something in your backyard? I certainly do not.
The Push to Elect a Deputy at Large
During the last term of council I was a strong and vocal advocate of electing the Deputy Mayor at large for many reasons. I felt that having two roles, one of ward rep and the other as Deputy was not serving either role well. We needed a dedicated Deputy Mayor who could help both residents and council. I am grateful that McGregor ended up getting a stand alone rep and we are seeing more results than in ever in McGregor because of it.
Accessible, Approachable and Responsive Representation
My door is always open and I will try my best to help everyone I can no matter what ward they live in. I believe council members should be accessible to residents and also approachable. There are times I am unable to help someone directly but I can listen and offer advice.
Open Door
I also have an open door policy to any other Councillor who wishes to help residents in my elected ward. I would never turn help away. I believe in working together to solve issues on behalf of our residents. Together we can accomplish more and serve our constituents more effectively. Residents may have relationships with councillors who are not their ward reps and reach out to them and that is OK. As long as we are all trying to make our community a better place we should welcome different strategies to get things done.
A Reason
Usually, from my experience, residents reach out to me for one or more of a handful of reasons. They know and trust me, they want action, they were dismissed or did not hear back from their elected ward rep, they are not satisfied with the answer from their elected ward rep, or they see me as active, engaged, and connected to others who can help make a positive difference. When someone comes to me, I will not turn them away. Being on council has always been about service and I love serving our residents and I try to make the most out of each and every day in office.
