A community’s well-being results from all of its members feeling their interests have been considered by City Council in the decision-making process. This means that all groups, particularly the most vulnerable, should have opportunities to participate in the process.
- SOLICIT THE VOICES OF BOTH SIDES FOR COUNCIL DECISIONS: The council is supposed to be open-minded and receptive to new information at the council meetings. The Mayor has the responsibility to ensure the council has the opportunity to hear both sides of the debate in order to make a decision, and I will strive to always do so as Mayor. A case in point -- earlier this year, the Mayor called a special meeting of the City Council to vote a letter of opposition to the removal of FAA staff from Waterloo Airport. In the meeting, we had documentation and a presentation from one side only -- the Waterloo Airport Director, who was opposed to the removal. We had no information from the FAA explaining the rationale for the change. Without this information, did the Council have adequate knowledge to make an informed decision? Doubtful. At times like this, I feel like council is a courtroom where we're hearing just from the prosecutor, and not the defense, and have to make our decision based just on that one side. As Mayor, I'll read the pre-released agendas and council packets with a critical eye, seeking to know what important perspectives need to be included before allowing the packets to be published to the council and public for review.
- NORMALIZING THE TABLING OF ITEMS FOR ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION, WHEN NECESSARY: Sometimes, the council is presented with many, many public voices, facts, and figures while deliberating on an important, controversial or complex topic. I'm thinking specifically of the late-2015 University roundabouts vote. As mayor, during cases like these where urgent action isn't required, I will strongly recommend to the council that the item be tabled until the next meeting. This will provide time for the council to absorb and reflect on this new information prior to placing their votes. A pause until the next meeting will demonstrate to residents that their opinions and perspectives are important to the council discussion and that the outcome of the council vote hasn't been pre-determined. I'll ensure that tabling to the next meeting is a valid and respectable option on any major vote where time isn't of the essence.