Originally written for Just Sayin’ Caledon
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Skid Crease is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists, an author, an internationally renowned speaker, and a lifelong educator currently living in Caledon, Ontario.
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In September, a Candidates’ Candor questionnaire was emailed individually to all of the candidates running for political office in the 2018 Ontario Municipal Elections in Caledon. All candidates were given until the beginning of October to submit their answers. All of the councillor incumbents seeking re-election to their existing positions on Council, except for one, submitted their answers. Only one Mayoralty candidate replied.
Several new candidates responded eloquently showing hope for the future of politics. One of the new candidates submitted a response, but did not answer the questions, choosing instead to critique the questionnaire – the art of deflection.
Here are the questions and a selection of the respondents’ answers
Question 1. In order to build a forward thinking, respectful and consensus building Council for the next four years, what would be the qualities you would look for in your 2018 – 2022 colleagues and your Mayor? Answer from Nick DeBoer: “I would like to see new members ask questions and learn process. Much of the problem comes when someone new comes in and they don’t understand the limitations of what we can and can’t do. To listen and learn.”
Question 2. Since literally anyone who is breathing, of age and a Canadian citizen living or working in the area can run for Council, what are the credible professional and life skills you would bring to this position? Answer from Jennifer Innis; “Someone with great reading comprehension (there is a lot of reading on many subjects and you must understand what you are reading): a good researcher (as a Councillor it is your responsibility to make an informed decision on behalf of your residents – that often requires you to do independent research); someone who is honest and trustworthy; someone who understands the rules and knows how to work within them in a respectful and professional manner; and a strong communicator to advocate for the best interests of the community. In one day you could be dealing with the effect that China’s “Paper Sword” decision has on our waste management, a resident’s property flooding, a new business needing permits through a conservation authority, and a new user group looking for ice rental. Most importantly, a Councillor must be a Problem Solver.”
Question 3. In an era where politicians are accused of and found guilty of violating their Codes of Conduct, Integrity and respectful social mores, yet do not change their behaviours, what are the positive character traits that you would bring to Council? Answer from Johanna Downey: “I will continue to hold myself and those around me to a high professional standard. No member of council or staff should have to work in an environment that is less than professional. I have great respect for public process and the equity it affords to all members of society; upholding that process is integral to council.”
Question 4. The catch phrases “I speak for the people” and “I promise honesty and transparency” and “I do this for the hard working taxpaying citizens” have become meaningless porridge spin clips from politicians.If re-elected, what do you truly desire for Caledon? Answer from Nick DeBoer: “What I want for Caledon is a place where we can live and enjoy life. A mix of farms, some with markets, natural areas to enjoy, and local businesses that can thrive. Communities that are connected to the natural areas in some form.”
Question 5. As a newly elected Council member, how do you intend to deal with litigious private interests who lobby, bully, and intimidate local politicians? Answer from Allan Thompson: “Let’s be clear. Over the last 12 years there has been a pattern emerging here in Caledon. Efforts made for no other reason than to try and influence Caledon’s planning. Caledon should plan for Caledon and I will continue to stand strong for that. This last term I was targeted and false allegations were made against me. I fought back, won in court and was awarded costs. Then my home was vandalized. At no time during all of that did I even consider putting private interests ahead of the interests of Caledon. I refuse to be bullied or influenced into making decisions that are not good for Caledon or its future.”
Several new candidates had insights into their role as elected servants of the public in Caledon:
Question 1. In order to build a forward thinking, respectful and consensus building Council for the next four years, what would be the qualities you would look for in your 2018 – 2022 colleagues and your Mayor? Answer from Joe Luschak: “Honesty and Integrity. “I expect to look my fellow councillors in the eye and tell me that the decisions they make and support are truly in the best interests of the town. I don’t want them telling me one thing and then turning around and saying or doing something totally different. Four years is a long time for us to work together and I can’t stand special interest cliques.”
Question 2. Since literally anyone who is breathing, of age and a Canadian citizen living or working in the area can run for Council, what are the credible professional and life skills you would bring to this position? Answer from Angela Panacci: “I worked for sixteen years for one of the top financial institutions in Canada. I led teams, projects, strategies and managed budgets. I have an understanding of what it takes to get results and I have the skills needed to achieve the objective. In addition, I currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Caledon Community Services (CCS); we work together to solve community needs such as food insecurity, transportation, youth, employment, and we assist our seniors.”
Question 3. In an era where politicians are accused of and found guilty of violating their Codes of Conduct, Integrity and respectful social mores, yet do not change their behaviours, what are the positive character traits that you would bring to Council? Answer from Steve Conforti: “I don’t know all of the issues I will have to vote on as a councillor. But you as a voter must trust your judgement. People have described me as professional, authentic, caring, passionate, dedicated, honest, trustworthy, loyal, and helpful. I am collaborative, cooperative, and respectful. As someone who has played many sports, I understand the importance of working together as a team. I am a leader in the community. My integrity is extremely important to me. I have nothing to hide and I don’t have any ulterior motives for running for council – I just know I can have a positive impact on our community.”
Question 4. The catch phrases “I speak for the people” and “I promise honesty and transparency” and “I do this for the hard working taxpaying citizens” have become meaningless porridge spin clips from politicians. If elected, what do you truly desire for Caledon? Answer from Joe Luschak: “Let me add another phrase: “Talk is cheap,” so I can say anything I think people want to hear. However, time will tell if my efforts succeed to bring some unity to council so that all the wards aren’t pitted one against the other or decisions aren’t made with conflicting or special interests in mind. Unfortunately, mine will only be one of nine voices so at times my input may not carry a lot of weight, but I can assure everyone that I will be heard and II will not be pressured into making decisions that are not in the town’s (and the ward’s) best interests.”
Question 5. As a newly elected Council member, how do you intend to deal with litigious private interests who lobby, bully, and intimidate local politicians? Answer from Christina Early: “In my business life, I have become accustomed to a broad variety of ways in which stakeholders try to have their interests heard. I believe it is Council that must define appropriate ways to engage and for all members of Council to support each other against threats and intimidation. It will also be important for Council to engage with those who bring their issues and concerns more quietly, and even more so, those whose vices are not heard above the noise.”
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