I Promise ...

Two very strong words that should not be uttered lightly.  If elected to Council, I would have a voice, would work to convince fellow Councillors with my arguments, advocate, lobby, cajole, etc… but at the end of the day I would still have only one vote.  So I cannot say those two words in regards to bringing to reality a definitive action by the City on any particular issue.

The only time I can use those two words is in making personal commitments as to how I would approach the role of Parksville City Councillor.  So here goes …

I Promise … to be an active member of Council. 

What does that mean?  I will gladly take Liaison appointments as delegated by the Mayor, and participate in that group’s meetings and activities where invited to do so.

I Promise … to be available.

Whether it is via eMail, telephone, a chat over coffee or participating in an activity, I will do my best to make time for constituents.  Inevitably there will be scheduling conflicts – but together I am confident we will find a suitable date and time.

I Promise … to prepare.

Those who know me will attest that I enjoy diving into the nitty gritty of topics.  From my past experience as a School Commissioner (Trustee), a 500 page meeting kit does not intimidate me.  I know how to ignore “the fluff” and search out the salient points that require attention and/or action.

I Promise … to show up.

Whether it’s to a Council Meeting (in person or via Zoom), a Liaison Group Meeting or a chat over coffee (sensing a theme here?), I will be there; probably early but latest on time.  There will be times when I am travelling and technical deficiencies will prevent me from zooming in, but I will at the very least give warning of that possibility.

I Promise … to listen.

I Promise … to be transparent.

If elected, my campaign website will morph into “Councillor Ralph” mode where I will from time to time post my thoughts on issues of the day.  On that same website, I will post my attendance record at Council along with my voting record on matters of substance.