Mayor Harris: Responsibilities, Time Commitment and Conflict of Interest - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 23rd, 2020 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for July 23rd, 2020 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Responsibilities, Time Commitment and Conflict of Interest

Responsibilities Once Elected

If you become a member of a municipal council, you must take an Oath or Affirmation of Office in the prescribed form prior to carrying out any power, duty or function as a member of that council.

The Local Government Election Act, 2015 requires a Public Disclosure Statement be attached to your nomination paper.

Once elected and within 30 days, you will have to submit another Public Disclosure Statement to meet the requirements of The Municipalities Act.

This document will need to be updated annually by completing the Public Disclosure Annual Declaration on or before November 30.

If any changes occur throughout the year, elected officials shall complete a Public Disclosure Amendment Form at the time the change occurs.

All decisions of council must be made at meetings open to the public with a majority of council members present.

At these meetings, it is important for council members to listen to each other and collectively reach decisions that are in the best interests of the municipality.

An individual member of council, including the mayor or reeve, does not have the authority to commit the municipality to any expenditure or direct the activities of municipal employees.

Time Commitment

Being elected to your local council means a big time commitment on your part. It's important not to underestimate the amount of time and dedication required to be an effective member of council, especially if you have a full-time job as well.

If elected, you will serve a four-year term. During that time you should plan to attend the following:

regular and special council meetings;
meetings of council committees;
meetings of other boards and agencies as a representative of council;
conferences, seminars, workshops, and conventions for training and discussion; and
events that promote or represent your municipality.

You may also need to spend a significant amount of time talking to the public, businesses, colleagues in other municipalities, municipal staff and your administrator. Continuing interaction with these groups is an essential part of making an informed decision as a council member.

Conflict of Interest

Citizens expect integrity in the decisions and day-to-day operations of their public institutions and elected officials at all levels — including municipal governments and municipal officials.
Identifying, addressing and managing conflicts of interest are key to good governance and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in their public institutions.
The province has strengthened municipal legislation to help municipalities ensure proper policies, procedures and practices are in place.

Conflict of interest provisions are found in Part VII of The Municipalities Act, Part VII of The Cities Act, or Part VII of The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010.
It is important to recognize that the legislation regarding conflict of interest is not the only word on the matter.
There is a great deal of common law regarding conflict of interest and the conduct of elected officials in potential conflict situations that may apply if legislation does not fully address the matter.

A conflict of interest occurs when a person in public life is in a position where a private interest may, or may appear to conflict with his or her role as a municipal council member.
Conflict of interest provisions recognize that the judgement of even the most well-meaning person may be impaired when their own interests or the interests of someone close to them are affected. Conflict of interest provisions exist because council members must make decisions in the best interest of the municipality first and foremost.

If you have any questions please contact our town office or myself and we would be pleased to help.

Events:

Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace - Minimum Jack-Pot is now at a $11,028.

Follow the Lions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/

Latest Newsletter is out http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/calendar.html

http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/recreation-news.html May June 2020 2019 newsletter

Non Events:

- Construction is well under way on the towns $5.1 Million Wastewater Project
Upgrades funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments
Town of Preeceville news release - Issued May 20,2020

Click HERE to read the News Release

- Construction is also done on the new Coop Project. Opening soon. Paving upgrades done.