Home »
Democracy is for those who participate
By Councillor Sharon Cross
Citizens – 19,364(*). Mayor and Council – seven. City of Cranbrook Council can make many decisions without hearing from you, but our decisions would be so much better with your input. Public engagement is part of the democratic process.
Community service is a responsibility I take seriously. That service is based on hearing from my community so I can help translate that into action. While council cannot individually attend every event, there are times we actively seek your input through city informational open houses, or workshops. Those who show up are heard.
Recently, on November 5, the city held a preliminary public planning workshop regarding city-owned lands and buildings in the downtown core. It was widely advertised and invitations were sent out to the business community. Approximately 40 people attended (including mayor and five councillors). The intention of the workshop was to identify future needs/uses for these lands/buildings so that staff can plan for the future based on what our community wants. It was a dynamic, democratic process. These views will be brought forward to council when the results are compiled.
Council packages can be viewed on the city’s website on the same day that council receives them. Council meetings are aired on Shaw TV the Tuesday evening following a council meeting, or you can watch them on your home computer through the city’s website @ www.cranbrook.ca/our-city/mayor-and-council/city-council-meeting. The diversity of city council can lead to some lively debate.
You can provide input by phoning or e-mailing the mayor and council, or by attending regular events such as the Mayor’s Brown Bag Lunch, or Coffee with the Mayor. Take advantage of the opportunities provided by the city to express your opinions/ideas. The more information we have, the better the quality of our decision-making.
Cranbrook is your city. Your taxes go towards the basic services (including roads, water, sewer, policing, and amenities). Yet Cranbrook is more than that. Council needs to hear from you on the direction of our future – similar to the Cranbrook Connected community engagement process regarding the values, qualities and features that makes this our home; your home.
As we move forward with the opportunities ahead, it is important to find the balance between the four pillars of the Cranbrook Connected document – Economic Health, Natural and Built Environment, Social Wellbeing, Cultural Vibrancy. For example, what does this mean in terms of our delivery of public transportation? How can we make decisions that keep in mind the economic health of our community, of serving business, of those who work, and those who shop? How do transportation methods impact our environment? How can people with no or low incomes afford to travel throughout our community? Are our arts, cultural and heritage events well served by present modes of transportation? What can we do better? Looking through these four lenses, what would your ideas be on this or other opportunities?
Our first 2014 budget development meeting is December 10, 1-6 p.m. at City Hall. You are invited. The democratic process starts the minute you participate. (* 2011 Census minus seven municipally-elected officials).
– The opinions expressed are those of Councillor Sharon Cross and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Cranbrook.
