By Hariett Madigan
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I believe that a vast number of people want to see a significant change in our elected Council this October.
Change is a good thing if it reflects the vision and will of the community and the people who live, work and play in our city. The traditional top-down kind of governance isn’t going to cut it anymore. It’s time to embrace a 21st-century approach which is more inclusive and engaging of community voices.
Our community is made up of numerous local businesses, non-profit organizations, charities, clubs, individuals and families of all income levels. Many who lead through volunteering countless hours each year for the betterment of our community and we want to be heard, acknowledged and supported by our Mayor, Council, and municipal staff.
After interviewing a local businesswoman here in North Bay, I was inspired by how she changed the culture of her organization to a 21st century competitive business. I came away with these principles:
- Treat your employees as you would your family.
- Respect their opinions and listen and acknowledge their ideas.
- Nurture a culture of sharing, respect, support and caring, pride in a job well-done, demonstrate an openness to share ideas to make things better and grow a strong healthy inclusive business environment.
Sounds like a formula for success that would work for our City Hall as well.
So let’s all think about how we want to be engaged by the people we elect for the next four years.
Do we want to feel welcome at city hall by staff and Council? Do we want to be able to share ideas and play a role in shaping the future of our city? Do we want to contribute to policy development as we grow the health, strength and prosperity of our community?
Yes, we do.
I want to be part of the solution as an advocate for better communication and a solid community-led vision, guided by Mayor, Council, staff, as I consider who will be our next municipal leaders. I’m looking for candidates that will be more inclusive of our great community. My decision is not going to be influenced by candidates attacking each other, but rather, by listening to them as they identify their platforms, and how they intend to govern.
Let us all vote for people who reflect a kind of culture that is not afraid of change and taking chances all the while making decisions on what is best for our community as a whole. This will increase our chances for a healthier, stronger, more prosperous community.
Sincerely
Hariett Madigan
