The Ward System and Full Time Councilors
It may surprise some, but I think the idea of full time councilors for Brantford has merit. Many issues facing the Brantford City Council are complex and need a great deal of time to be studied and fully understood. Finding the time for this is difficult if one has to hold down a regular job and deal with family and personal relationships as well. As it is, City councilors often must rely on notes and advice prepared by city staff. A staff that seems to have their own agenda, which is often at odds with the average taxpayer.
I realize that salaries for councilors would have to be increased but this could be partly offset by reducing the number of councilors. Do away with the ward system and elect six councilors who represent the whole city along with the mayor. That way each citizen who votes would have a direct say in the composition of the council not just a fraction of it. And really, are not most issues of consequence to the whole city and not just each special ward interest? Would it not be better to be able to contact any councilor about a specific problem instead of just those two who are supposed to represent you but often don't?
I think these are ways to make the council more efficient and effective and who's time has come.
I realize that salaries for councilors would have to be increased but this could be partly offset by reducing the number of councilors. Do away with the ward system and elect six councilors who represent the whole city along with the mayor. That way each citizen who votes would have a direct say in the composition of the council not just a fraction of it. And really, are not most issues of consequence to the whole city and not just each special ward interest? Would it not be better to be able to contact any councilor about a specific problem instead of just those two who are supposed to represent you but often don't?
I think these are ways to make the council more efficient and effective and who's time has come.
posted by The Grouchy Old Man at 3:03 PM
1 Comments:
Your post is interesting. I too believe that we should have full time councillors. The role of the Councillor can be so much more rewarding for both the person as well as the community if there was incentive to work at this a little harder. A larger monetary reward is, of course, appropriate. This is not a job that should be done at ‘half cost measure’ which is pretty much what we are getting now. This is not to say that there isn’t anyone currently in the role right now who isn’t working their preverbal butts off. It is obvious when watching City Council who reads their package before the meetings, who does not, and who reads only the important stuff for their run in the next election. However, my concern of individual work ethics is for another rant.
You comment about staff is a non sequitor as long as they are firmly ensconced in their little cocoon of Union protection. Whether their own personal agenda is for, or against, the common goal of council (is there ever one?) means nothing as long as they are more protected than the people they work for. At least one may try to vote out a councillor.
Where I feel your thought process falls off the rails is in your suggestion that we delete councillors. I have personally seen many people having difficulties in having even one of their councillors return a simple phone call when a voice mail was left for both. By eliminating councillors you are taking an already full-time position and doubling it up. This is absolutely no different than having more councillors working part-time. Which, oh yeah, is what we already got.
All the best to you you Grouchy Old Man!
:Þ
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