2021 Election - The Local Democracy Pledge
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, in an effort to “promote fair and transparent municipal elections, free from undue partisan or financial influences”, is challenging candidates to sign on to The Local Democracy Pledge. I have signed this pledge, but an explanation of what my commitment means is required. I suspect the four commitments outlined in the pledge mean something different to each candidate, so I challenge all municipal candidates to explain how they will live the values of transparency and accountability. The following is my explanation.
1. “Keep local elections local by focusing their campaigns on issues that municipal elected officials can influence.”
There is a big difference between municipal responsibility and municipal influence. Council responsibilities and limitations are outlined in the Alberta Municipal Government Act, but our influence is important beyond municipal responsibility. My campaign and vision is focused on municipal responsibilities - sustainable growth and environmental strategy, for example - but it extends to provincial and federal responsibility in my advocacy for affordable housing supports and access to quality health, education, and environmental services. Provincial and federal policies influence a municipality’s ability to thrive and attract investment and it is the responsibility of the municipality to advocate for our residents.
2. “Maintain independence and non-partisanship by rejecting any endorsements which would undermine their accountability to municipal residents or the autonomy of the municipality.
I suspect one of the reasons I don’t receive large corporate donations is that I have a reputation for rejecting any endorsements that come with strings attached. That said, fundraising is challenging for independent candidates, so any donation support goes a long way in helping this candidate through the election.
3. “Demonstrate transparency by sharing their vision for the municipality and providing pre-election disclosure of campaign contributions and spending.
Done. I see transparency and accountability as being closely related, and I address both these issues through my communications with residents about the activities of Council and myself specifically. If you've followed my blog, I've provided overviews of all our meetings over the term including my concerns and solicitations for feedback. I will also provide my disclosures on this section of my website prior to the election, and will continue to share my vision throughout the election period and beyond.
4. “Engage in respectful behaviour by sharing their perspective, while respecting and seeking to understand differences.”
This has been a big part of my work as a councillor over the last four years. In response to a recent resident question along these lines, I commented that “I find the perspectives of residents - even ones that I don't necessarily agree with - critical to consider as I'm making decisions, so [ongoing solicitations for feedback] have provided an avenue to seek out those perspectives”. That said, I’ve also run out of patience for some opinions - I draw the line when colleagues, staff, or residents are harassed or when blatant misinformation is being perpetuated.
