As a city councillor, I occasionally hear from constituents who feel very strongly that it is my job to do what they say, to vote the way they tell me to because they elected me to represent them. Not long ago, I got an earful from some residents of Heron Park for my decision to support the development of a residential building for adults with severe mental illness.
I won’t get into the specifics of the matter here (I addressed those on my website). Let’s also ignore the fact that councillors do not decide where supported housing is built. Still, the issue generated considerable reaction. Although many people supported the project — and my willingness to speak in its favour — many did not.
Of those who opposed the development, a number told me I should not take a position contrary to their views. They believed my failure to do their bidding meant I was derelict in my duties as their representative.
But this assertion is fundamentally flawed. If an individual feels I must always agree with his/her position and vote accordingly, that person is assuming one or all of the following: (a) theirs is the only position held in the community; (b) theirs is the only correct position; (c) it is the majority position.
One person’s view can never be the only position — there are always at least two sides to an issue. And you can never be sure it is the correct position. Some people rush to judgment or lack important information. Some have personal biases or vested interests. Often, even with plenty of information, dialogue and debate, the correct position is still not obvious.
You can also never be sure of the majority position within a particular neighbourhood. Not everyone attends open houses or takes the time to e-mail or call their councillor.
Anyway, do you really want a councillor who makes decisions by sticking a finger in the air to test which way the wind is blowing? I hope not.
As a voter, I look for candidates who offer the best combination of a number of points.
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a publicly stated platform or set of principles/values that are most closely aligned with mine (or that I at least respect);
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a willingness to listen to all sides and evaluate arguments before taking a stand, and to reconsider when faced with strong evidence;
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a willingness to stand up for what is best for the broader community while not imposing too harsh a burden on any one group or area;
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the courage to speak up for the disenfranchised, or at least take their needs into account;
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a long-term view of the good of the community/city/country/planet.
I have no desire to elect decision-makers who merely do what is most expedient while ignoring the bigger picture. I think city councillors should do more than simply parrot the position of those who call or email most often, or who claim to speak for the community. What do you think? I’d love to know.
Summer construction
In preparation for street reconstruction in 2015, Bell Canada is rebuilding its conduits along Main Street from Greenfield Avenue to the George McIlraith Bridge.
On Lees Avenue, reconstruction between Main and Chestnut streets is expected to begin July 2 and end mid-November, bringing new cycling paths, wider sidewalks and landscaping.
Councillor David Chernushenko
613-580-2487 | David.Chernushenko@Ottawa.ca | www.capitalward.ca
