"S" is for Shared Goals

11/22/23 • 35 min

The Political Trenches: Local Government At Work

Municipal governments are comprised of local elected officials and encompass a range of administrative bodies, including cities, towns, villages, and municipal districts. This is the Political Trenches: Local Government at Work, the show dedicated to talking about the most pressing issues confronting municipal governments throughout Canada. I along with Ian McCormack, will provide insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that confront local governments as they strive to serve their communities. We are continuing our journey through the Municipal Alphabet, and today we bring you the letter “S” is for Shared Goals Later in the episode, Ian and I will be joined by the executive director of the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group. But first, we will head to Ontario to talk about a Mayor who is facing Legal action over her election expenses. We will stay in Ontario to talk about Mayor rejecting Strong Mayor Powers, and thence will chat with council voting to elect a council member from a list of residents who applied for the job, and finally we will end in Alberta where one Community submitted a petition to introduce a “crosswalk and flagpole” bylaw. *************************************************** Stories We Talked About This Episode: Haldimand mayor election spending problems the result of inexperience and ‘conceptual errors,’ says lawyer https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/haldimand-mayor-election-spending-problems-the-result-of-inexperience-and-conceptual-errors-says-lawyer/article_d33160ee-a6c4-5d99-9688-8c73c19843ed.html?utm_source=Municipal+World+Daily&utm_campaign=fec86170ec-MWDaily_10_31_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a1ce9dc899-fec86170ec-63555283&ct=t(MWDaily_10_31_2023) 4 Ontario municipalities turn down strong mayor powers https://globalnews.ca/news/10083912/ontario-strong-mayor-powers/ Goderich to determine next councillor on Monday https://cknxnewstoday.ca/news/2023/11/15/goderich-to-determine-next-councillor-on-monday Town council must either pass 'crosswalks and flags' bylaw or hold plebsicite https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/westlock-news/town-council-must-either-pass-crosswalks-and-flags-bylaw-or-hold-plebsicite-7816629 *************************************************** The DNA of Great Leaders: Key Attributes of the Best Mayors and Board Chairs Purchase Today: https://www.municipalworld.com/product/mccormack-the-dna-of-great-leaders/ *************************************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2i25ZVKTO84oUsLyO4jig Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches was Produced and Edited by Miranda, Brown & Associates Inc © 2023

Previous Episode

Full Interview - Geoff Orr, Former Mayor of the District of North Sannich British Columbia

Welcome to “R” is for Retirement on the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work. Why do people leave political office at the height of their career, why are there more people departing elected office at the municipal level than in previous years? Today we are honoured to have Former Mayor Geoff Orr on the show. Geoff served as Mayor of the District of North Saanich, British Columbia from 2018-2022. He stepped away from municipal government in November 2022 by choosing not to run in the 2022 fall election. Prior to his term as Mayor he served as a Councillor from 2014-2018. He began his time as an elected official with extensive experience in community relations, a comprehensive understanding of local government, and a willingness to listen, serve, and advocate on behalf of community members. Prior to being elected in 2014, Geoff was the President of the North Saanich Residents Association for eight years and Chair of the Saanich Peninsula Water and Wastewater Commissions for six years. He also enjoyed many years as a Peninsula Minor Hockey Association Coach and Executive member, He was a member of the Capital Regional District Regional Water Supply Commission, and served as a member of the Victoria Airport Authority Consultative Committee. So with that extensive resume, we are honoured to welcome Geoff to the Political Trenches today *************************************************** The DNA of Great Leaders: Key Attributes of the BEet Mayors and Board Chairs Purchase Today: https://www.municipalworld.com/product/mccormack-the-dna-of-great-leaders/ *************************************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2i25ZVKTO84oUsLyO4jig Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches was Produced and Edited by Miranda, Brown & Associates Inc © 2023

Next Episode

Full Interview - Red Deer River Municipal Users Group Executive Director Rudy Friesen

Welcome to “S” is for Shared Goals on the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work. "S" is for Shared Goals, and our guest today is Rudy Friesen, Executive Director of the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, the driving force behind a collective effort that brings together rural and urban municipalities within the Red Deer River Basin. Now, what makes this group tick? The Red Deer River Municipal Users Group is not your ordinary association. It's a dynamic coalition of municipalities, a nexus of elected officials who have come together to address the pressing issues facing their communities. But it's more than just a meeting of minds; it's a commitment to shared goals, a dedication to long-term sustainability. The Red Deer River Municipal Users Group stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing how, by focusing solely on municipalities and representing elected officials, they can cut through the noise and concentrate on what truly matters — the well-being of their communities. Now, the mandate of the organization takes a forward-looking stance - "Insure that reliable quality water supplies are available for a sustainable and growing economy in each of the members municipalities." So it’s not about today; it's about laying the groundwork for the prosperity of future generations. So with That Rudy, Welcome to the Political Trenches! *************************************************** Follow The Political Trenches: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2i25ZVKTO84oUsLyO4jig Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches was Produced and Edited by Miranda, Brown & Associates Inc © 2023