MANITOUWADGE -- Last night, an information session for those interested in learning what it takes to be a councillor was held in the Manitouwadge Township council chambers and via Zoom.
Mr. Fred Dean, a lawyer who works with elected officials and senior staff in municipalities across Ontario, provided helpful information to assist potential candidates and other interested parties understand the ins and outs of serving on the Manitouwadge municipal council.
The council, consisting of the mayor and four councillors, oversees and directs the management of municipal services such as water and waste, road maintenance, community services, recreation and leisure, and emergency services. There are approximately 20 regular meetings annually, but councillors may also serve on committees and boards which offer specialized input and advice to the town council. There are opportunities to attend provincial and regional conferences and training courses as well.
Some of the criteria that must be met to run for council is that the candidate be a Canadian citizen, 18 years or older, and not disqualified or prohibited from voting or holding municipal office. A $100 fee ($200 for mayor) can get your name on the ballot. Campaign rules, including financial rules, must be followed.
Elected members play a vital role in the structural, physical, social and financial wellbeing of the township and its people. It is the council’s responsibility to shape priorities, create plans of action and make decisions that will affect the lives of residents, businesses, and visitors. As representatives of the people, they must be mature, responsible leaders, willing to fulfill their duties with enthusiasm and dedication.
The decision to run for office cannot be taken lightly; the position will likely impact a candidate’s personal and family life, and the task of responsibility and duty will be very stressful at times. Their lives will become an open book; their values, ideas and standards will all be closely scrutinized. Strong skillsets consisting of approachability, flexibility, patience and diplomacy are necessary, both when campaigning and as an elected official.
“You have to be open to conversation with members of the community,” advises Councillor Kathy Hudson, “But be mindful of what you say in regards to inquiries or concerns.”
At the end of the day, the job is about passion and commitment. It’s about striving to fulfill the people’s vision of what they want Manitouwadge to be today, tomorrow and for future generations.
Councillor Jim Moffat sums it up this way: “It’s a lot of hard work, but I love this community. It’s my town.”
If you have the desire, drive and determination it takes to become the next mayor or councillor of Manitouwadge, you have until Aug. 19, 2022 to file your nomination. Election day is Oct. 24, 2022. You can find general information at the Association of Municipalities Ontario website at https://www.amo.on.ca/ or on the township’s website at https://www.manitouwadge.ca/government/2022-municipal-election/.