Here is my take. Saying that I will listen and you will be heard, are not campaign slogans for me. It is simply what I do, and what most people do, during any interaction or conversation.

My experience when challenged by someone that feels that “I did not listened to them” or that “I did not hear them” usually means that: I did not do as they wanted me to do. I can understand this feeling as I’ve felt the same way myself at times and yes it can be darn frustrating.

As an example, during my experience with the Coal Mining fight I’ve been involved in against the Provincial Government, I often speak/text directly with Premier Smith and other Ministers - and we do not agree on any part of this issue.

People often ask me if the Premier is listening to me and do I feel heard. The answer is YES! I absolutely know she’s listening and hears me because of the conversation we’re having. Danielle is simply making decisions that she feels is right for whatever reason and the two of us just don’t agree. But I appreciate that the conversation continues and I do feel heard and listened to because of this.

On any topic, I take in information from the differing public conversations, reports, studies, past experience, professional planners, professional engineers etc etc as well as my own vision of where I see our community going. It is the only way I can make an informed vote on any topic. I will not allow my vote to be swayed solely by the loudest or angriest person in the room. I will always lay my head on the pillow at night knowing that I made my vote on what I feel is the best direction for the community based on all of the information before me.

My integrity leads everything. Integrity being “doing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy” - the Brene Brown definition.

Every Mayor and Councilor will have their integrity challenged by this during their term. Their conversations with the public will all have different opinions on every issue. At some point, they will be required to make their vote on the motion - in favour or opposed. Some of the public will be happy with it, some will not, and some will really, really, really not be happy about it ;) .

This can be very difficult, but the Council group is there to support each other through the good and bad times. The goal is to be able to look back at the end of the term and be very proud of what we accomplished. It’s the reason I keep coming back and it’s an incredible feeling.

Council cannot avoid having in-camera meetings. Council must respect the position they are in and not all discussions / information can or should be publicly shared.

In-Camera meetings deal primarily with Legal Issues, Land Issues and Labour Issues. These meetings often involve individuals that live in High River and having all of their information disclosed in a public forum can be extremely harmful. From landowner issues, to choosing volunteers for committees, Council needs to be careful and respectful of the people involved. No decisions can be made during In-Camera sessions as any motion that arises following an In-Camera session must be voted on in open Regular Meetings of Council.

In-Camera Sessions often get criticized as Council not being transparent. It is not about transparency, it is about respecting the position of trust we have been elected into and the people of High River.

Hopefully I have helped clear the air as to how and why In-Camera meetings are important.

There is much discussion around Councilors level of engagement during Council meetings. As the Mayor I do not control other Councilors. Conversation is always encouraged and if they wish to speak on an issue they simply press the button and I will go through the list of those wishing to speak in order.

I’m pretty famous for usually spewing my thoughts in Council meetings. I simply feel that the community deserves to hear my thoughts on issues being discussed and why I’m voting one way or another.

As the Mayor, I encourage discussion but I cannot force it. Councilors make their own choice as to how they show up in meetings.

I will always advocate and fight for what is right for our community.  Those that believe I should stay within my “jurisdictional boundaries” the answer is no.  If the issue is a threat to the quality of life we all have in High River, I will be there to fight for what is right for us.