On the upcoming municipal elections

Hello to all:

As we move toward the end of the current municipal term of office, and elections later this year, a lot of people will be doing some thinking about the future. For those of us fortunate enough to have had the privilege to serve, we also reflect on it.

After talking with my family and others, I would like to announce my intention to seek a second term as a Councillor for Hinchinbrooke District.

Four years ago, I thought about the possibility of running for a seat on your local council. I had to ask myself two blunt and honest questions – one, was I doing it for the ‘right’ reasons; and two, what good did I hope to accomplish. I resolved that if I could not answer either of those questions, I had no business having my name on the ballot.

When you are a challenger, you have the ability to ask both questions.

As an incumbent, you can – and should – ask the first question, but the second one gets trickier. You have a record, and as such you rely on the people in the community to answer it – for better or worse. In 2014, we had come off a number of years where property taxes had increased each year by as much as 8%. The fire hall at Parham was in a dire state, and presented a real risk to firefighters and the public alike. The future of the Parham library was also in doubt. Also, a tentative decision to close and sell off Piccadilly Hall had been taken days before I filed my papers.

Over the past three years – despite major increases in the cost of policing – we haven’t brought in a yearly increase above 3.5%. Parham has a new and enlarged fire hall, with a new library attached to it. As for Piccadilly Hall, you can still book it to rent.

No one individual can – or should – take credit for any accomplishments this term. All I, or any member of Council can do, is to speak out for things and give them the support they need. That was the commitment I made, and I hope that my voice made a difference.

There have been debates and controversies as well, and my stance on a couple of the larger issues confronting this Township have provoked some strong reactions – and not always positive ones either. You can’t just take the stuff you like and leave the rest. That, too, is part of the record.

What I can say is that much of my motivation comes from experience, when times were tough and you saw your folks scrambling to cover bills, worrying about having enough to go around.

If life gets easier for you, that is a good thing, but it’s important to remember that the luck you enjoy doesn’t always land on the next person’s doorstep. In the rush to embrace things that are designed to help people, it is important to step back and ask if it will hurt others as well. If people are well-intentioned and open to compromise, and are willing to put in the extra effort, you can accomplish your goals without making life difficult for some people.

Sometimes you are the only person that someone can turn to. It’s a privilege to be considered that way, but it’s a responsibility as well.

Of course, nothing is perfect. There are the continuing challenges of keeping taxes low, complying with provincial directives, and ensuring your services are delivered in a timely manner, not to mention improvement to our roads and infrastructure, as well as moving ahead on projects important to our community. These remain on my ‘to do’ list, and I hope to have the opportunity to see these things through on your behalf.

As the rules governing municipal elections have changed, there will be no official filings by any candidate until this May. Nevertheless, many have already announced their intention to run.

Elections are the ultimate job performance evaluation, and you are the boss. It is my responsibility to justify why I should get an extension on my contract, and your choice as to whether that happens or not. I hope that I have been able to do that, and look forward to the chance to continue to be a voice for you at the Council table.

With every best wish, Brent