Onus is on new councillors to effect change

Now that the dust has settled following the recent municipal elections and the elections of warden and deputy warden for Kings County council, we have to ask how much has really changed.

The previous incarnation of council was criticized for being polarized in its decision-making, with votes frequently resulting in a 6-5 split of the 11 members. You would probably expect this to happen on occasion, especially with controversial issues, but not as a regular occurrence.

It leaves the impression that a line was drawn down the centre of council as if there were two separate factions and negotiating and lobbying could have been happening behind the scenes. Some members of the public perceived the previous council as dysfunctional and sometimes unable or unwilling to make clear-cut decisions.

The previous council was criticized for allowing too many issues and projects to drag on for years and for failing to leave a tangible legacy. It should be pointed out that a strong effort was made to tie up as many loose ends as possible before the reins were handed over and the anti-racism and discrimination initiatives undertaken are as solid a legacy as any.

Although we aren’t criticizing any councillor’s decision to re-elect Fred Whalen as warden and Diana Brothers as deputy warden, this remains unchanged from the previous council. Brothers said she was told the election for warden, contested between her and Whalen, resulted in five votes for her and six for Whalen. She is proud of her showing, but this suggests to us that a split could still exist on council.

Herein lies the litmus test for newly elected councillors and the opportunity for re-elected councillors to distinguish themselves because there are two ways things could play out.

We could observe a council over the coming months and years that is split into factions and unable to find the common ground needed to work as a team toward progress and effective decision-making.

Or we could see a council that puts the petty bickering, politics and personality conflicts of the past behind to work together as a team toward a common vision or goal. May all councillors vote in the best interest of those they represent and for no other reason while sharing the common ground needed to work together and keep the municipality among the leaders in this province and region.

Following his re-election as warden, Whalen invited Brothers and those councillors who supported her for warden to join him and his supporters as a team, put any issues aside and work together for the benefit of the municipality.

Brothers said prior to the election that when she makes decisions that affect the county, “preserve, protect and promote” are the three Ps she takes into consideration. Acting for the good of the public is top priority. Identifying the strengths of individual councillors is important as warden and it’s crucial to improve the relationship between staff and council.

We believe strongly in these sentiments and hope to see the dawn of a new era in terms of teamwork, respect, cooperation and effective governance by Kings County council over the coming years.