It seems that everyone likes to criticize Council. While there have been problems, I want to give you a different perspective and tell you about the many good things that this “dysfunctional” Council has accomplished.
My first job when I became Mayor was to get Council to work together. I know from past leadership roles that working together does not mean everyone agrees and there will often be passionate discussion on issues. But being a Councillor is about more than talking about your favourite position. It is about doing your homework, coming to the Council table prepared to listen, and then voting for what you feel is best for Midland.
Despite best intentions, Council's first year was chaotic. Divisions from the previous Council were in play and many votes were split 5-4. Over the next three years we learned how to work together. While there were still some 5-4 votes, there were far more that were 9-0 or instances where the 5-4 split was made up of different Councillors. We were listening to each other and making good independent decisions for Midland. And we accomplished a lot:
- A four year budget discipline to keep taxes below the rate of inflation
- Agreement on our first ever operational review by KPMG
- Purchase of the Unimin lands (7-1)
- Support for our Downtown Master Plan (unanimous)
- Creation of the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe (unanimous)
- Launch of the Tourism Action Plan and the Cultural Plan (large majorities)
In the coming term, Council will face some big challenges. This election you will vote for the members of Council who will be making those tough decisions. Take time to get to know who is running and vote for those candidates whose first priority is “Moving Midland Forward”.
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