Town of High Prairie Mayor Dan Vandermeulen made an excellent point toward the end of council’s meeting Jan. 13.
To paraphrase, he asked councillors why they ran for office and what their goals were in the coming four years. He used terms like “we need to know why we’re here” and “internal motivation” during his statements before suggesting an informal meeting. Vandermeulen is asking each councillor to identify three priorities during the term.
What Vandermeulen is talking about here is what council likes to call a retreat, better known as a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money. He suggested they meet in the back room of the town office, not run off to a faraway location at the expense of John Q. Taxpayer.
Another way to determine council’s goals short-term and long-term is by developing a Strategic Plan. The document guides council in the coming years. Like all municipalities, High Prairie has one. Referring to it would be a decent place to start.
However, keep in mind High Prairie has a new slate of councillors after voters brought out the brooms last Oct. 20 and swept the former council away. New councils should mean new goals, new energy and new enthusiasm. What are they?
It might be somewhat perplexing that Vandermeulen would ask council what their goals and ambitions are. They have been on the job for three months and just went through the painstaking interim budget process. Does he not know?
During the election campaign it was not clear what each candidate’s goals were. There was the same old election dribble about “lower taxes” or at least “keep taxes in line” coupled with “economic development” but every candidate says that for fear of being shunned at the polls. No candidate is saying “Raise taxes!” or “We don’t welcome new business” or an introduction to the guillotine is in order.
What is the real agenda?
When Vandermeulen asked what the goals were it was a major step in the right direction. It was a call for each councillor to get focused and work toward the betterment of the town. It was a call to identify a project so councillors can roll up their sleeves and get to work. It was a call to identify the goals so council can develop strategies to implement them.
No one can complete a marathon without taking the first step. You can not reach a goal without identifying the goal and developing a plan.
Vandermeulen’s call for a meeting to list the priorities is a positive move. It should give the new council a clear direction on where they are going. It would also hold council accountable in identifying the goals and implementing them.
There are many issues facing High Prairie as there are all towns and cities and counties and M.D.s. Each council would do well to sit down and have a heart-to-heart discussion about where they are going.
In High Prairie’s case, sharing those goals with neighboring government such as Big Lakes County, First Nations and Metis Settlements is a must.
We strongly echo Vandermeulen’s desire.
Focus, focus!
Chris Clegg
Vandermeulen’s dictatorial approach didn’t work well with paid educators, it will flop with elected independents.