What to Look for in Municipal Elected Officials by Carolyn Kearns

Carolyn Kearns is a  general mangement consultant who has been working for municipal clients since 1974.  She is a partner in the Randolph Group Toronto.  These excerpts are taken from an article of hers in Municipal World Magazine.

We are very lucky in Cranbrook to have so many people who have stepped forward to work on Council so who do you vote for?

The Political Leadership Challenge

First-time elected officials are sometimes disappointed with their inability to see meaningful work undertaken, and talk about hidden agendas and the political deal making on council. Citizens refer to the “circus-like” atmosphere of municipal politics and are not interested in running for municipal office. So, at a time when municipalities have never been more important, municipal elected officials are under the microscope and the results are discouraging. This situation is particularly difficult for the many elected officials who work long hours, are diligent readers of agendas, have perfect council attendance, and feel that, despite their hard work, there is little positive feeling on the part of the electorate. Now, more than ever before, we need to think seriously about what defines good municipal leadership and work to ensure that we are electing and supporting the right individuals to oversee our municipal governance.


In thinking about our municipal elected leaders, we need to ask a few fundamental questions about the incumbents and others who seek elected office. While these questions might apply to all levels of government, they are directed to municipalities.

Here are just three of her suggested questions:


1. Is the motivation for the job and the experience appropriate?

Individuals seeking or holding public office should have a passion about public service. It should not be attractive because of the perceived “power” or ability to garner publicity. Nor should it be a way to right a perceived injustice or to fill up time during retirement. The best municipal politicians are those with a huge sense of civic duty and a feeling of giving back to a community that has been good to them. Their commitment commands respect and loyalty.

2. Is there a clearly articulated vision and a platform of activities to implement it?

Good municipal elected officials tell you what they are going to do and how. They do not “trash talk” the work of previous councils. Zero tax increases and lobbying senior governments for more money do not constitute a proactive, forward-thinking platform. A clearly articulated vision and a set of goals and actions that support that vision are needed. In addition, these individuals support the good initiatives that are underway, regardless of who initiated them, and work to see them completed.



3. Is there a track record for informed decision-making?



There is a tendency for municipal councils to fence sit and to avoid controversial decisions. They look for others to blame, or defer the decisions based on an excuse that more information is needed or more input required. Or, just as bad, decisions are made late at night without sufficient information and input. Elected officials must be accessible, and they must really listen to a broad range of views. However at the end of the discussion, responsible elected officials make tough but fair decisions and stand by them.