Being on Council is Serious Business

It is amazing to me to see how people weigh in online on politics in the U.S., in Canada, and provincially, while patently ignoring the government closest to the people.

Your municipality’s Council chamber is where decisions are made about roads, water, recreation, safety, and long-term community well-being.

That is why the role of Councillor demands seriousness, preparation, and respect for the position. And yet, it happens too often in our small-population communities that we find ourselves represented by people who treat the position as a hobby, a platform for personal grievances, or a social club rather than a public responsibility.

This is serious stuff, particularly in a smaller population, when the decisions of the Council have far-reaching implications, impacts that can and do kill a community years after the Council made a decision.

It is a Councillor’s job to show up prepared, read the backgrounder prepared by the Administration, and make decisions in accordance with their policy and legislation. It is not the Council’s job to micromanage staff, chase personal vendettas, or perform for social media. It is not to treat governance as optional, something that can be ignored when it doesn’t fit the personal agenda.

The role is to read, think, question, and make decisions. The role is to understand legislation, policy, and procedure. It is to debate respectfully, even when there are differences of opinion. It is to show up ready to do the work the community trusted them to do.

Our communities deserve Councillors who understand that leadership is not about ego; it is about stewardship. It is about making decisions that will matter years from now. It is about respecting the time and expertise of municipal staff who cannot do their jobs properly when elected officials refuse to do theirs.

Residents have every right to expect that those they elected will act with due diligence, professionalism, and integrity. And Councillors who cannot or will not meet those standards should ask themselves why they stood for election in the first place, and whether they still deserve to hold it.

Residents, too, need to take a hard look at how they choose the people they elect. Many times, people get elected because they are loudly committed to one specific issue—a road they want fixed, a program they want cut, a building they want saved, or something they want built.

Voting for someone solely because of a passion project is risky. Passion may get them elected, but that doesn’t mean they are equipped to govern. Municipal leadership requires broad thinking, not tunnel vision. A Councillor running on one issue often arrives at the table unprepared for the hundreds of other decisions that shape a community’s future.

Worse, single-issue candidates can become single-issue Councillors. They may ignore the bigger picture, derail meetings, or push their pet project at the expense of everything else, including infrastructure, finances, staff capacity, and long-term planning.

As a citizen, you need to look beyond such promises and determine whether the person understands their role. Are they prepared to make unpopular decisions? Do they respect the process? Because passion is not enough.

What Communities Should Look for In a New Council

If you want your Council to do better, you must elect better representatives, people who understand the weight of the role and who are prepared to carry it. Here are some things to look for:

1. Work Ethic

Candidates should demonstrate their willingness to learn about governance. The best Councillors take the time to understand the issues before they make a decision.

2. Respect for Staff and Process

A functional municipality depends on clear roles. Good Councillors respect the CAO structure, follow proper channels, and avoid mucking around in administration. They understand that staff are professionals.

3. Integrity and Accountability

Communities need people who tell the truth even when it is inconvenient, and who don’t hide behind excuses or blame. Accountability is the backbone of public trust.

4. Ability to Work as a Team

Council is not a collection of lone wolves; it is a governing body. Effective Councillors debate vigorously, disagree respectfully, and still move forward as a unified decision-making group.

5. Ability to Consider the Big Picture

Communities need leaders who see beyond the next election cycle. Seek out candidates who talk about sustainability, infrastructure, growth, and resilience. Quick wins and personal pet projects should be a big red flag.

6.Display Emotional Maturity

A Council table is no place for grudges, gossip, or theatrics. Residents should expect candidates who can manage their emotions, handle criticism, and behave like adults even under intense pressure.

7. Commit to the Whole Community

Good Councillors represent everyone, not just friends, not just those who voted them in, and not just the vocal minority. They consider the needs of all the people.

A community gets the Council it elects. If you, as a resident, want a Council that takes its responsibilities seriously, you must choose people who demonstrate seriousness, humility, and a genuine commitment to the public good.