By R. Bruce McIntyre
Special to Whitewater News
and courtesy of Eganville Leader
RENFREW — Close to 80 people, many of them considering putting their name forward for this October’s municipal election, made their way Monday night to the Ma-Te-Way Activity Centre to learn what is required to run for local government.
Well-respected municipal solicitor Fred Dean led the two-hour workshop that had potential candidates from all parts of the Ottawa Valley, with a heavy presence of individuals from Whitewater Region, North Algona Wilberforce and Horton in attendance.
Seven local municipalities sponsored the workshop and Mr. Dean said this type of forum gives a unique insight as to what a potential candidate can expect.
“This is something that will really help somebody who is considering running for the first time,” he said. “I have been delivering this workshop all over the province and the response has been terrific. Some venues have attracted over 100 people, so there is a genuine interest on the fundamentals of the election process.”
Along with some current elected members of council who were present from Renfrew, Admaston/Bromley, Horton, North Algona Wilberforce and McNab Braeside, there was a strong presence from a number of members of various landowner groups and individuals who have been quite vocal and openly critical of their respective local governments.
Renfrew Mayor Don Eady, who served in various elected positions over 18 years in both Horton and Renfrew, said the workshop is an excellent starting point for those who want to get involved for the first time.
“When I first let my name stand for office I have to admit I was pretty green in terms of roles and responsibilities,” he said. “I was not aware of any seminar like this when I started out and it really is an invaluable thing for a first-timer. Fred (Dean) tells it like it is, both the good and bad of running for office.”
Throughout his presentation, Mr. Dean went to great lengths to describe the difference between an elected official and staff member and said there are many instances when the elected try to assume the responsibilities of staff.
“Council must not manage staff, period,” he said emphatically. “Council relies on good municipal advice from staff and when they try to micromanage the administration of staff, that inevitably leads to problems. A head of council, and council as a whole, has no management responsibility and it is not the role of a head of council to become involved in the day-to-day operation of their local government.”
One participant asked if council should be discussing job titles and duties during a council meeting.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “It is a waste of time for council to work on a job description on council time. There are more important things to do and they should leave that to senior staff. The role of a Head of Council or councillors is to be the champion or cheerleader for their municipality and be out there promoting and leave the day-to-day operations to staff.”
He also cautioned the audience of the importance recognizing conflict of interests and codes of conduct when assuming office. He said there will be dramatic changes in March 2019 when the duties of an integrity commissioner will be expanded.
“Unfortunately, there has been a trend of more and more harassment charges in municipal politics, some warranted and some are not, and the integrity commissioner who investigates these charges will have more discretionary power next year,” he said.
He also cautioned potential candidates on the personal considerations. He said there is an impact on family life and holding elected office requires a total commitment, and it can consume the individual.
“People you don’t even know will stop you at the grocery store to complain or lobby you on an issue,” he said. “Even what you consider your personal time will be affected by a resident. You need to be able to balance these pressures.”
He concluded by congratulating all those in attendance stating it was encouraging to see such a large turnout and said for anyone considering putting their name forward, they should always consult family members because their decision will also affect them.
The sponsoring municipalities were: Renfrew, Arnprior, McNab/Braeside, Bonnechere Valley, Horton, Whitewater Region and Greater Madawaska.
