Humility in Accountability
Accountability is a fundamental responsibility of public office and a cornerstone of democratic governance. My approach to accountability is grounded in respecting institutional roles, following established processes, and remaining answerable to residents throughout a term of office. Accountability is not about authority or control, but about stewardship, responsibility, and ensuring decisions are made openly, consistently, and in the public interest.
Accountability in Practice
In Casselman, accountability means ensuring that decisions affecting residents are made through clear, formal, and lawful processes. As Mayor, this has meant working consistently within legislative, procedural, and ethical frameworks, using established council mechanisms to raise issues, advance policy, and ensure matters of public interest are addressed openly and on the public record. Accountability requires consistency and follow-through, even when issues are complex or outcomes are not immediate.
It also means fostering a culture of professionalism and respect within council and across municipal operations. Debate and disagreement are part of democratic governance, but accountability requires that discussions remain respectful, decisions are documented, and collective outcomes are accepted once decisions are made. Advocacy
continues through appropriate channels, always with the goal of serving the best interests of the community.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Boundaries
Strong local governance in Casselman depends on a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. Council is responsible for setting policy direction and providing oversight on behalf of residents, while municipal staff are responsible for administration and implementation. Respecting this separation is essential to maintaining effective operations, professional integrity, and public confidence.
Accountability includes upholding these boundaries, supporting staff in their professional roles, and ensuring that decisions are made through authorized, transparent processes rather than informal or unclear practices. Clear governance structures protect both the institution and the people it serves.
Accountability Over Time
Accountability in Casselman is not limited to individual decisions or council meetings. It is sustained over time through follow-through, documentation, and openness to review. This includes revisiting priorities, assessing progress on commitments, and ensuring residents have opportunities to understand how decisions evolve and how challenges are addressed.
Maintaining accountability over the course of a term reinforces trust and strengthens local democracy. It reflects an understanding that leadership carries an ongoing responsibility to remain answerable to residents and to steward the municipality with care, consistency, and integrity.
These governance practices are grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic institutions.