Elections
Many observers argue that Council meetings could be more respectful and professional. Do you agree? If so, what will you do to change this?
Responses to the question: "Many observers argue that Council meetings could be more respectful and professional. Do you agree? If so, what will you do to change this?"
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4 Candidate Responses (top)
| Ward 13 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Brief Response | Full Response |
| Powers, Russ | Yes | I chaired Council's Governance Committee that over the past year undertook an extensive review of Council's Procedural Bylaw and made many improvements to improve process and increase accessibility and transparency (these changes are now law). Respect, courtesy and decorum go hand in hand...sometimes the Chair must be more forceful. |
| Robinson, Glenn | No | I believe that Council meetings are generally respectful and professional. There are times when passions are fired and heated debate ensues. Deference for the protocols and procedures governing council are designed to ensure that council meetings remain a productive forum for decision-making.
Over ten years in management has taught me to remain calm and listen to differing opinions even when emotions are high. As a councillor I will bring this experience and skill to the table. |
| Scime, Danya | Yes | I agree that at some of the meetings; the tone, anger and attitude has gone out of bounds. If people would take a step back and understand why there are 'flare-ups', it would be easier to stay level headed. Bottom line is every Councillor wants what is best for their Constituents.
We need to get back to the basics that allowed each individual 'Hamlet' (Ward) to thrive and move forward as a Team. What I would propose to do is; Every Councillor and head of City Staff go out and have a "tour" of each Ward. Until someone actually knows the area, they are not prone to understanding the unique issue there. When people are trying to communicate an issue of importance to them and there is lack of understanding, it builds frustration. In essence, the communication process is already compromised because of ignorance and indifference. I am a huge advocate of negotiations and mediation. I remain very calm under huge amounts of pressure and have always put my foot into the other person's shoe. BALANCE My previous experience in being Chairperson and President of not for profit organizations has given me insight on ways to engage with those less patient. I will lead by example and keep the motto that we are all in this together to respect our differences, celebrate our uniqueness and make the City as a whole a better place no matter which Hamlet we live in. We must realize the old adage "United we stand, divided we fall..." I penned it slightly differently years ago to include "United we stand, divided we FAIL." I, as a new Councillor will work patiently, fairly and diligently to have our City Council be respected leaders in our community. |
| Tammer, Ron | Yes | I agree that Council meetings should be more respectful and professional. I have worked on many committees, both at work and for local minor sports associations, as well as acted as a mediator in my capacities as a union steward and on the Hamilton Youth Justice Committee. The main thing that I have taken from these experiences is that results don't come from bickering and infighting; you have to focus on the task at hand, and bring everyone together to work towards a common goal. Council seems to be moving in several directions at once, and arriving
nowhere; I would bring my sense of diplomacy to the table, and help Council to focus on what we need to achieve as a group. |
Response Summary (top)
| Brief Response | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 3 | 75.0% |
| No | 1 | 25.0% |
| Maybe | 0 | 0.0% |
1 Candidates Have Not Responded (top)
| Ward 13 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zuliniak, Marty | ||
