As we chatted in his garage, a young voter asked how I plan to succeed as a councillor representing rural interests in Oakland-Wawanesa, when other capable people before me have struggled.
This was an important question from someone who has lived his entire life in our municipality, representing a family with a long, long history in Oakland, concerned about the now and the future.
His question drives to the very heart of the June 20 by-election.
We go to the polls because two councillors quit in March, only five months after being elected. In their resignation letters, Dennis Rome and Barry Fowell noted a lack of integrity and transparency in council’s actions. Both men – well respected and elected with strong community support – felt rural concerns were not being adequately considered.
Their resignations were disheartening and discouraging. In all, four rural council members have unexpectedly quit as Oakland and Wawanesa stumble through amalgamation.
A Fair Deal
Since 2015, council has increased rural taxes by 35% and reduced village taxes by 20%, ignoring requests from rural councillors and rural residents for tax fairness. In fact, council has disregarded a number of rural concerns brought forward on several occasions.
I’ve watched this all from the sidelines as a resident, and often as a journalist. I’ve attended most council meetings in the last three years, seeing the votes, policies and behaviour unfold first-hand. But I can’t watch any longer. My time for action has come.
No community committee drafted me. Nobody said, ‘Hey Glen, you should try to get on council’. I’m running because I want change.
It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about honouring the rules. It’s about working together for the good of the entire community. It’s about respect. It’s about embracing different ideas and opinions.
I feel these important considerations have been lost since the 2015 amalgamation. I want to restore accountability and transparency to council. I want all residents to feel they have a voice.
Why Me?
As a journalist, I’m curious by nature. I ask a lot of questions because I need information before making a decision. I think council should operate the same way.
I’m not afraid to challenge authority. When head of council Dave Kreklewich used misleading information about rural taxation during the 2019 budget discussions, I forced his public apology.
Voters tell me, as we talk in garages, kitchens and living rooms during this by-election, that council is no place for bullies or tantrums. Council should never dupe residents or silence critics. I agree, and plan to hold elected officials to a high standard.
I don’t have a long history in Oakland-Wawanesa but a fresh perspective is a good thing. I’ve lived in communities large and small, and experienced good councils and bad councils. You learn from both.
Please consider all these things when you cast your ballot at the advance poll on June 15 or election day June 20. Our municipality is stronger when many voices are heard, because you never know where the next great idea will come from.
Regards,
-Glen