Council 101: Sometimes the Most Important Word is “Why?”

One of the things I learned from more than a decade of following Thunder Bay City Council closely is that being a good councillor isn't simply about voting yes or no. Sometimes the most important thing a councillor can do is ask one simple question:

Why?

Why is this project a priority? Why does it cost this much? Why are we doing it now? What has changed since the original plan was approved? Were residents consulted? What are the long-term operating costs? And most importantly is this still the right decision for the community today?  You may hear a lot of candidates in this election talk about their ideas and plans, but is anyone asking why first?

Councillors are asked to make decisions based on reports, recommendations, long-term plans and budgets prepared by administration. Council needs that professional expertise, but councillors aren't there simply to approve recommendations. They are there to scrutinize them, challenge assumptions when necessary and make the final decision on behalf of the people who elected them.  In a lot of ways, they should be expected to do the same with the other councillors in the room as well.

We've seen how quickly circumstances can change.  Take the temporary shelter decision.  Countless “Notice of Motion” changes to the bylaw, and a delayed response in picking a location. A transportation plan written years ago may not reflect development happening today, look at my previous article about the long-term plans for James Street. An infrastructure project that made sense when it was first proposed may need another look when costs increase. Anyone ask what the current price tag for the indoor turf facility is at?  Now that it’s delayed, it’s a good time to ask why.  

This is where experience in asking the right questions at the right time all with preparation matter.  I have spent years reading council agendas, following debates, questioning decisions and explaining them through my City Council Round Up. I know that complicated issues rarely fit neatly into a campaign slogan. I also know that asking tough questions doesn't mean fighting with administration or other councillors. Good governance requires a professional working relationship between council and administration but it also requires healthy scrutiny of administration and the motives of others on the team.

My approach at the council table would be straightforward: listen, research, ask hard, well thought out questions and then make the best decision I can with the information available.

I won't promise that I'll always have the answer before an issue reaches council. In fact, I think voters should be suspicious of anyone who does.  What I can promise is that I'll ask the questions, because sometimes good leadership isn't walking into City Hall already knowing the answer.

It's knowing what to ask before casting the vote, and you should do the same before casting yours.   

Voting starts October 19.   Election day is October 26. 

Vote John Ongaro - Northwood.