Big debate, big decisions

On April 29 we had a marathon Council meeting that started at 10 a.m. and finished at 10 p.m.  But, I have come to realize after 10 years in elected office that longevity is not necessarily a mark of success.

Meetings can be long, legislative sessions can be long, and political careers can be long without being marked by achievement. Politicians are not successful simply by outlasting others. Certainly there are cases where this is so, but many politicians survive by avoiding decisions or acquiescing to popular will. Popular opinion does not always lead to right decisions.

When I ran for Mayor I said I wanted to help create a Council atmosphere where there is respect for each other, and where policy overcomes personal animosity. And I have seen that happen. People tell me they see a Council that is more focused and strategic. This is very important, but it is only a platform from which to govern effectively - to make decisions, to move the ball.

I have no appetite for a Council that agrees on everything, where debate is perfunctory. Democracy demands difference of opinion, it is based on it. But effective democracy thrives when differences are considered and decisions are made without fighting or rancor. Legislative bodies that operate on the best democratic principles are increasingly rare which is why I take great pride in our Council.

Sure, some of the Councillors irritate me on occasion, and I irritate them. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, as long as we keep some perspective.

So back to April 29...

On that day Council heard -  and rejected - an appeal on 22^nd Commerce Square; approved the new city brand; passed a new sister city framework; and held a public hearing on planning amendments for Nova Centre, which were approved.

We had a good debate on the issues, some of them contentious. But we made decisions and we are moving ahead.

Since that meeting we have passed the revised Regional Plan, had a robust discussion on Dr. Don Clairmont's review of public safety, dealt with another step in the future of St. Pat’s Alexandra school site, and approved the general outline of the massive redevelopment plan for the Cogswell interchange lands.

Not only are we making important decisions, we are making decisions that align with our strategic goals: economic development and growing the population. From this flows all the things we want to do to better our community.

This past weekend I was at Federation of Canadian Municipalities meetings where I was proud to represent our city and our Council.

We have taken on new initiatives in areas like housing, health, accessibility for disabled citizens, and public safety. We have new and exciting development in Halifax, particularly in the urban core,. Our new Central library will open in the fall and is garnering international accolades and the Nova Centre is progressing. We have managed our budget effectively so that we have been able to hold the line on taxes, which amazes many other municipalities.

As we move further from a brutal winter and into summer we have much on our plate. But I think we have shown that even though we will disagree on issues we will find a way to get things done.