"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Thursday 10 May 2012

What's In A Name

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Pray tell ..The Role Of A Councillor":

Oh, Evelyn:

Enough of the pontificating about how marvellously we govern ourselves.

We are only free to choose from among those who put forward their names. We are very seldom free to choose those whom we wish to represent us.

A good deal of the time the candidates are real losers.

To prove my point look at the candidates for mayor in 2010 and look at the number of votes they received.

There was really no choice; Geoff Dawe was the only viable option.

Remember, you are suing one of the losers.

Her election in 2006 was possible only as a result of Nigel's presence on the ballot. Blame him for her.

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The question asked was;What is a Councillor's role? I gave an outline of the role as described in regulations. Actually,  there is no upper or lower limit to how a Councillor might choose to serve the community.

The Mayor's role is different. There are great expectations of the Mayor; Places needed to be and people to see. Small services are highly appreciated but expected nonetheless.

The Municipal Act calls for a Mayor to provide Leadership and Guidance to Council.

With judgement and experience,.it is not a simple task. Leadership is not about having authority to command. Which is a good thing. Because a Mayor doesn't have  authority.

 A Council is not  the army replete with ranks.That's a hilariously ridiculous concept.


It's not a political party with discipline and a boss with power to toss a recalcitrant member.

A council is the sum of its parts. In Aurora, nine parts. .


If it doesn't work together. It doesn't work.


The secret of leadership lies within.

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