The Power of Communication
Transparency and communication are fundamental to public trust. Prior to this term, many residents felt disconnected from municipal decision making and uncertain about how decisions were being made or where to find clear information. That lack of clarity contributed to frustration, disengagement, and a sense that local government was difficult to access or understand.
Since becoming mayor, restoring trust through transparency and open communication has been a central priority. This has meant proactively sharing information, explaining municipal processes in plain language, and creating multiple, accessible ways for residents to stay informed and engaged. Communication has been treated not as a one-way announcement, but as an ongoing dialogue that respects the public’s role in local democracy.
To support this, a range of tools and approaches have been used, including social media, the iMatr platform, a dedicated website, and in-person engagement such as community meetings and initiatives like Voices of Casselman. Together, these efforts are intended to reduce barriers to information, encourage participation, and ensure residents feel heard, informed, and empowered within the municipal process.
Core Principles
Accessibility
Information should be clear, understandable, and available in formats that reduce barriers to participation. Residents should be able to follow municipal processes without needing specialized knowledge or insider access. Ensuring accessibility means taking responsibility for how information is presented, not placing the burden on residents to decipher it.
Consistency
Trust is built through regular and predictable communication. Sharing information consistently across platforms helps residents stay informed, reduces confusion, and supports confidence in local decision making. Consistency signals reliability and respect for the public’s right to understand what is happening and why.
Two-Way Communication
Transparency is not limited to sharing information. It also requires listening, welcoming feedback, and creating space for dialogue so that public input can meaningfully inform municipal decisions. Communication is treated as an exchange, not a broadcast, recognizing residents as active participants in local democracy.
Transparency in Practice
Transparency in practice means proactively sharing information, providing context around municipal processes, and meeting residents where they are. This approach prioritizes explaining how decisions are made, what options are being considered, and how residents can engage meaningfully in those discussions. A range of communication tools and engagement methods are used to ensure information is accessible and dialogue remains open, including digital platforms, public-facing resources, and in-person community engagement initiatives. The focus is on clarity, accessibility, and understanding rather than one-way communication or selective disclosure.
Why Transparency Matters
Clear and accessible communication strengthens public trust and supports informed participation in local democracy. When residents understand how decisions are made, how priorities are set, and how to engage with municipal processes, accountability is reinforced and confidence in democratic institutions grows. Transparency ensures governance remains responsive, inclusive, and grounded in the needs and expectations of the community, while reaffirming that public office carries a responsibility to remain answerable throughout a term.
These governance practices are grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic institutions.