Good decisions start with good information.

That may sound simple, but in municipal government, the issues before Council can be complex. Decisions can affect taxes, roads, development, services, property owners and the long-term direction of our community.

That is why I believe one of the most important responsibilities of an elected official is to come prepared, ask questions and make decisions based on the best information available.

Preparation Matters

Before I vote, I want to understand what is being proposed, why it is being recommended, what it may cost and what the potential impacts could be. This is informed decision making.

That means reading the material, listening to residents and staff, asking questions, researching issues when necessary and considering both the immediate and long-term consequences.

Most of the time, that process gives Council what it needs to move forward confidently. Sometimes, however, important questions remain unanswered.

When More Information Is Needed

When that happens, I will seek clarification giving Council more time to review the issue.

There has been the rare occasion when a vote proceeded and I did not believe I had enough information to make a responsible decision. In those circumstances, I have chosen to abstain rather than cast a vote simply for the sake of voting.

This is accountibility.

Residents are better served by a councillor who is willing to say, "I need more information," than by someone who makes a decision without fully understanding the consequences.

Accountability Means Being Able to Explain Your Decision

Elected officials should be able to explain how and why they arrived at a decision. That means understanding the facts, considering different perspectives and being prepared to stand behind the outcome.

It also means recognizing that asking more questions is not a weakness. Sometimes it is exactly what responsible informed decision-making requires.