Post by monicaa on Aug 22, 2013 20:38:54 GMT -5
Having read all of the material posted from the sessions, and having been a municipal councillor here from 2000 - 2010, and having a background in organizational and human resources development, I am quite passionate about the democratic process of governance in the County. As a result, I have some items to raise about the work of the final session.
It seems to me that it is important to understand the role of the Municipal Councillor. That's different from what we value in them or what we want to see in them in terms of personal suitability. People run for numerous reasons. If you look at the election 2010 spending ( on the pecounty.on.ca site), you'll note a vast array of expenditures by folks interested in doing the Councillor and Mayor jobs - from the filing fee of $100.00 only through to $24,000 in mostly personal funds. That isn't a statement of who is best for the job as you know. But it is something to consider with an "at large" voted Council rather than by Ward.
For me there are two (2) "content" questions:
1. What are the jobs to be done by elected officials in ensuring there is democratic process, citizen representation on local concerns, adherence to the Municipal Act and other governing legislation and good governance as a "board" running the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward. This goes beyond hearing what a current Councillor(s) does which can be self determined. Rather, the question should be what actually constitutes the "duties" of this Councillor job?
2. What other "tasks" do we as citizens/taxpayers want our Councillors to be doing to help provide leadership for new/ongoing endeavours e.g. attending conferences, holding Town Hall meetings, etc. What recognition events should we expect them to attend e.g. new business openings, birthdays and anniversaries of our community elders, cultural and athletic special events of economic and/or community significance...
Council members used to be paid "by meeting". Now there is a set stipend of just under $20,000 of which 1/3 is tax exempt in recognition of the personal costs of doing the role. There are 5 set meetings per month expecting the attendance of all Councillors and the Mayor. Councillors also volunteer/are chosen to sit on Standing Committees and ad hoc committees with limited numbers on either type. What else do we need them to do in this Councillor role to make PEC the best it can be in terms of well being for all our citizens, agreeing that this is not intended to be a full time paid job but rather a part-time role with a financial recognition for both formal and volunteer efforts.
After the CA group have this info, then the question can be asked how many Councillors do we need to deal with the matters affecting the citizens of Prince Edward County.
But then, there are two (2) "process" questions for me:
1. How do we ensure the Council is reflective of the urban/rural mix of 25/75%?
2. How do we acknowledge the vast and diverse geography, the impact of our borders being mostly water, our history as townships whose names have been trademarked by the County Economic Development and Council of the day because of their "branding" potential. We are the size of the City of Toronto geographically speaking without a public transportation system. I doubt we will ever have that transportation system so our roads throughout the County are our conduits of economic enterprise whether they carry trucks with auto parts to a South Bay garage or cyclists on that double duty bike path to Long Point. How do we ensure the adequate quantity of eyes and ears and creative thoughts and critical thinking efforts get put at the Council table to help staff focus their efforts on the best behalf of citizens and taxpayers. For me,the current Council number and representation works. Nobody is "protecting their job" by wanting that situation. Historically, PEC Councils post amalgamation have turned over around 50% with each election. No Councillor position is a given for any incumbent.
I appreciate your efforts and time on this task. Thank you for the opportunity to give this input.
sincerely,
Monica Alyea
It seems to me that it is important to understand the role of the Municipal Councillor. That's different from what we value in them or what we want to see in them in terms of personal suitability. People run for numerous reasons. If you look at the election 2010 spending ( on the pecounty.on.ca site), you'll note a vast array of expenditures by folks interested in doing the Councillor and Mayor jobs - from the filing fee of $100.00 only through to $24,000 in mostly personal funds. That isn't a statement of who is best for the job as you know. But it is something to consider with an "at large" voted Council rather than by Ward.
For me there are two (2) "content" questions:
1. What are the jobs to be done by elected officials in ensuring there is democratic process, citizen representation on local concerns, adherence to the Municipal Act and other governing legislation and good governance as a "board" running the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward. This goes beyond hearing what a current Councillor(s) does which can be self determined. Rather, the question should be what actually constitutes the "duties" of this Councillor job?
2. What other "tasks" do we as citizens/taxpayers want our Councillors to be doing to help provide leadership for new/ongoing endeavours e.g. attending conferences, holding Town Hall meetings, etc. What recognition events should we expect them to attend e.g. new business openings, birthdays and anniversaries of our community elders, cultural and athletic special events of economic and/or community significance...
Council members used to be paid "by meeting". Now there is a set stipend of just under $20,000 of which 1/3 is tax exempt in recognition of the personal costs of doing the role. There are 5 set meetings per month expecting the attendance of all Councillors and the Mayor. Councillors also volunteer/are chosen to sit on Standing Committees and ad hoc committees with limited numbers on either type. What else do we need them to do in this Councillor role to make PEC the best it can be in terms of well being for all our citizens, agreeing that this is not intended to be a full time paid job but rather a part-time role with a financial recognition for both formal and volunteer efforts.
After the CA group have this info, then the question can be asked how many Councillors do we need to deal with the matters affecting the citizens of Prince Edward County.
But then, there are two (2) "process" questions for me:
1. How do we ensure the Council is reflective of the urban/rural mix of 25/75%?
2. How do we acknowledge the vast and diverse geography, the impact of our borders being mostly water, our history as townships whose names have been trademarked by the County Economic Development and Council of the day because of their "branding" potential. We are the size of the City of Toronto geographically speaking without a public transportation system. I doubt we will ever have that transportation system so our roads throughout the County are our conduits of economic enterprise whether they carry trucks with auto parts to a South Bay garage or cyclists on that double duty bike path to Long Point. How do we ensure the adequate quantity of eyes and ears and creative thoughts and critical thinking efforts get put at the Council table to help staff focus their efforts on the best behalf of citizens and taxpayers. For me,the current Council number and representation works. Nobody is "protecting their job" by wanting that situation. Historically, PEC Councils post amalgamation have turned over around 50% with each election. No Councillor position is a given for any incumbent.
I appreciate your efforts and time on this task. Thank you for the opportunity to give this input.
sincerely,
Monica Alyea
