SCRD Elections 2011 Post #1

This is an historically significant time to run for public office. While those of us seeking municipal office in BC are starting up our campaigns, thousands of people around the world are gathering in the streets voicing their discontent through the Occupy Movement. The convergence of these events is making me examine even more deeply my motivation and goals for taking on elected public service.

            The public conversations taking place on line and in public spaces around the Occupy Movement remind me of the aftermath of the death of Jack Layton and the messages of hope and love that people in the streets expressed at that time. During both of these events, people have been sharing their deep desire for engagement and their frustration with disenfranchisement. There is an overwhelming need to be listened to and, above all, be heard.

            It is now clear that traditional forms of public engagement used by governments, such as open houses, surveys and public hearings, are not enough. At the core of our civic process, we must offer opportunities for more meaningful and more frequent public dialogue on public policy issues. This needs to occur not just in the polling booth but between elections as well.

            I believe that people are seeking a paradigm shift. This means a shift away from the notion of limitless growth and the environmental damage that comes from that notion. It means a shift away from a hierarchical system of power and an extremely uneven distribution of wealth and benefits. What is so inspiring about the Occupy Movement is that its members are calling for and demonstrating a more caring, respectful and inclusive society. They are seeking a more open public dialogue and, as a result, governments that are responsive to public voices. Whether they’re at the local (municipal) level or at provincial and federal ones, all political leaders must pay attention to that message.

            Over the last two terms as the Director for Roberts Creek for the Sunshine Coast Regional District, I have found many opportunities to engage with the public over a wide range of issues. What I have learned is that it’s not enough just to gauge what people are thinking about a topic. That is valuable information. But we also need to invite people to join in meaningful conversation about what is important to them. One way is to meet them where they already gather: in cafés, parks, shopping centres, schools, and community halls. Increasingly, people are gathering online so we can use many conversational tools including social media, to create a virtual town hall.

When there is conflict over an issue within the community we need to ensure that everyone feels safe to express a viewpoint that differs from that of their neighbour. I have used the talking circle and a talking stick with an almost miraculous effect of shifting a group’s mood from threat and hostility to a genuine sharing of ideas and feelings. I have found that bringing diverse viewpoints together can create a new solution that is superior to the position that either side was attached to beforehand.

I am proud to have promoted collaborative leadership as a cornerstone of the SCRD strategic plan. For me, this contributes to a culture of dialogue and consensus-building on three levels: around the board table, in our relationships with other local governments, and, most importantly, with the public whom we serve.

Over the next three-year term, I will continue to explore new ways to facilitate public discourse and to ensure that authentic dialogue occurs across our community. That way, public policy and the actions that flow from it are truly a reflection of public sentiment.