A new year is a great opportunity to reflect on the state of things. It’s easy to get into a mental rut about certain topics, deciding that something is “just the way it is”. Sometimes a fresh perspective is very important, especially when it comes to an issue such as local politics.
There is no doubt that all 5 elected officials here in North Dundas care deeply about their community. It’s safe to say that people don’t run for positions in small town government for the money or the fame, they do it to make a difference in the place they call home.
North Dundas is a dream community for many, myself included. There is no place I would rather live. The community pride and spirit here is truly amazing. But our community has its own struggles to face behind the scenes. While the Township isn’t necessarily “poor” in the traditional sense of the word, taxpayers are nevertheless feeling the pinch from repeated high tax increases to keep the municipal books balanced.
In North Dundas – a community which I will forever contend is amazing – we have a water problem in our two larger villages. On some of our backroads, we have a major potholes problem. We also have an overflowing dump problem, as well as a “two arenas in need of repairs” problem, in a community whose population size really only justifies one arena. This list barely scratches the surface. When I talk to those from other municipalities about what they pay in property taxes, it really brings into focus just how expensive North Dundas taxes are.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to afford my way of life, but I personally know many people who don’t have enough to get by. We can’t blame the Township or Council for that. Life is ridiculously expensive all across Canada. Housing, food, and gas are all so much more expensive than they were even just 5-10 years ago. But in an economy where every penny matters, it makes sense that people are going to ask tough questions about unpleasant surprises, such as huge property tax increases. Being ready to provide answers to those questions is part of every Council member’s job.
Our current Council has been on the job for more than two years now. They are more than halfway through their current term. It has been interesting to see how our elected officials have evolved in this timeframe. Councillors Uhrig and Lennox were new to politics when elected, and Deputy Mayor Bergeron had very little experience. One thing that became obvious in the first few meetings of the current Council was a tendency for members to piggyback off each other, with not as much original thought as one might hope. Phrases such as “I’m going to mirror my colleague’s view here” or “I just want to echo the Mayor’s thoughts” were very common. Such phrases still come up from time to time, but as this Council became more comfortable, there was a progression toward more productive discourse and an appropriate plethora of opinions, which is critical for democratic decision making.
Unfortunately, there is another area in which Council still needs improvement: the frequent open session “lectures” directed toward local ratepayers. It is too common for all members of the current Council to speak to the audience (mostly a virtual one) during open session in a manner that resembles a parent scolding a child. These rebukes most commonly take the form of overly defensive statements regarding just how tough of a job it is to sit on Council. Often, members of the public will be sternly reminded of the financial pressures the Township is facing, with passive aggressive remarks directed to those who are simply exercising their right, as ratepayers, to question the budget and the decisions of their Council.
In some cases, these remarks have been unprofessional, such as when a local resident’s idea for a skate park in Winchester was referred to indirectly by a member of Council using the umbrella term “pipe dream projects”. Or when that same member referred to concerned residents, who were discussing relevant local issues via online community groups, as “social media warriors”. Part of being an elected official is realizing that one’s job is to represent each and every member of the community. Many are uneducated, as is to be expected statistically. Many have lived through tough circumstances and continue to do so. All bring different perspectives, whether it be a retired senior with dementia, or a single person with a dream to be a homeowner, or a couple with 4 young children in search of recreation. All deserve equal representation, and to be treated with dignity. This does not mean putting motions forward that don’t make sense; it means engaging in respectful dialogue, even regarding projects or ideas that don’t make financial or practical sense.
As we kick off the new year, with the first Council meeting of 2025 having happened the day before this issue of the Times was released, we can only hope to see a more diplomatic approach from Council. After the October walkout that revealed some internal issues in the Township, perhaps the air is now cleared, and we’ll see a new side of our elected officials.
They say not to bite the hand that feeds you. With an election coming up in 2026, our Council members must similarly remember: don’t slap the wrist that is soon to cast its vote. Open dialogue means conversation without fear of ridicule, and that’s just what North Dundas needs.
