Be inclusive. Engage those affected by a decision often. And, most importantly, do what you say you’re going to do.
These words are a culmination of my experiences and lessons learned from working with great leaders, and I’ve spent my career putting those words into action.
In just a few days, you’ll have the chance to decide who will form our next municipal government. Chances are that over the past eight years, many of you reading this have felt frustrated, that your views were not being heard and you’ve become disillusioned.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I’m excited when I see some of the names being thrown into the ring across the City of Greater Sudbury. Some hope to be returning. Others, myself included, are asking you to give us a chance to prove to you that we can achieve good things.
Here's my promise to you:
- I will work with all of my colleagues. And when we disagree, I will set my ego aside to listen and understand where it is they’re coming from.
- I will always, always, take new information and data into consideration. I will ensure that our assumptions are reflective of current circumstances and not outdated information.
- I will communicate with integrity and transparency. I will engage with our community before making decisions that impact you. There will be no echo chambers where only like-minded views are allowed to be shared. I will work to ensure you’re heard.
- I will move to review and update the city’s Master Plan. With the plan serving as our North Star, we create transparency in city council’s decision-making process. You will know exactly what we’re striving for, how we plan to get there, and the value we intend to deliver. We only deviate from this Master Plan under extenuating circumstances. And we will apply proper governance, oversight and risk management to those extenuating circumstances.
We can do this, together. Ward 5, it’s time. I will do what I say I’m going to do.
Mike Parent is running for the Greater Sudbury city council seat in Ward 5 in the Oct. 24 municipal election.
