In a recent essay by Clive Doucet he recollected Carole Anne Mehan saying that as a councilor she had trouble getting a new garbage can for her constituents.
Reflecting on this I wondered what the people we have elected will actually do for us in their elected roles.
In Ward thirteen I am constantly seeing streams of social media about some good cause or another, none of it having anything particularly to do with the work of the councilor. They were “pleased to attend” they were “pleased to receive” -but really its all feel good fluff. On ocassion the councillor will report on road conditions.
Then we will get notices of budget consultations: but as a constituent where does one begin? We don’t have any context, no comparables, no intelligence or targeted reporting at our disposal. Again, the councilor is paid to participate in the budget process and make good decisions so a general call to “listen in to budget talks” or “provide feedback on the budget” seems rather pointless.
So what will the zealous councilor do? And what is the conscientious citizen to contribute? I know if I was a developer I’d just want faster permitting, and more favourable zoning: and they’ll get what they want. They bought and paid for it.
Meanwhile people like Carole Anne might complain again about her need for a garbage can. Maybe private citizens can send in letters to council or news media like the Bull Dog.