Random voices

Citizens’ Assembly works toward a recommendation on the size of council

It is 4 o’clock. They should have wrapped up by now—heading out to rejoin their families on this brilliant summer day in Prince Edward County. They have been at it since 9 o’clock this morning. Yet 23 of 24 members of the Citizen’s Assembly were still debating, raising questions and voicing opinions around three tables in the former Picton Town Hall as the shadows grew longer outside. The conversation is finally interrupted by the facilitator assuring them they had done enough for the day—that it is time to go home.

They are a diverse lot, yet distinctly recognizable as County folk. The 24 individuals, who comprise the Citizen’s Assembly exploring the issues around the size and distribution of municipal council, are equally mixed between gender (12 women, 12 men) and by region. Some trace their County lineage back generations, while others have moved to the County in the last couple of years. They include a carpenter, a teacher, train engineer and a former County councillor. Several have some business training and experience. Many give their energy and time as community volunteers.

Demographically they reflect the County as well—perhaps too much so. None can be described as young, neither are they old. Many are retired.

All appear deeply committed to the task set out for them and to the work needed to make an informed consensus recommendation.

COMMITTED
They have spent the past couple of Saturdays— bright sunshiny days both of them— locked away inside the former Picton Town Hall above the fire department, learning about municipal governance and deliberating over how County residents should be represented on municipal council. They are seeking to answer basic questions of how many folks should sit on County council and how the 25,000 folks who are scattered across 400 square miles and along 1,100 kilometres of roads in Prince Edward County ought to be represented.

In May invitations were mailed out to 5,000 randomly selected voters. From the hundreds of respondents, 24 were chosen.

“They are not a substitute for council,” insists Jonathan Rose, the Queen’s University associate professor hired by the County to produce a recommendation. “They are working hard toward a recommendation that is based on shared values and principles.

VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Much of the session on Saturday was aimed at identifying and distilling the values and principles. These include efficiency of governing, balance, fairness, as well as the accessibility of local government, both in terms of response to residents and the engagement of representatives to the issues and concerns that occupy the minds of constituents.

The goal is to weave these values into a governing model that most closely reflects the things that matter to most County residents. The process also serves to eliminate and elevate some models.

The Citizen’s Assembly also heard from six sitting councillors on Saturday—three in favour of changing the size of council, three against. But it was Councillor Bev Campbell’s comments that stirred some of the strongest debate during the day.

IS SMALLER BETTER?
One of the conceptual challenges of reducing the size of council has to do with worries that councillor workload and their duties as a representative will increase dramatically in the event of a smaller council and perhaps lead to reduced effectiveness. The workload is heavy now— won’t a smaller council make it worse, perhaps unmanageble?

But Bev Campbell suggests there may be an opportunity in a smaller council to focus its efforts and energies on governing and less on management. She says council’s time may be better spent fine tuning policy and procedures rather than second guessing the day-to-day decisions of municipal staff.

Her argument seems to have struck a chord with many of the Citizens’ Assembly, though not all.

The group was also encouraged by Councillor Janice Maynard’s observation that most councillors are likely prepared to consider the Citizens’ Assembly recommendation. Given the split votes and hard feelings that developed around the issue over the past half decade, some Assembly members were worried they might be wasting their time.

Overall, Rose is pleased with the progress made by the group so far.

“I have detected no bias,” said Rose. “No preconceived ideas. Participants are participating in this process with enthusiasm. They care deeply about their community—they want input.”

Bill McMahon has been an outspoken critic of council on a number of issues as well as promoter of Consecon events and activities. McMahon had considered backing out of participation fearing they would be debating in a fish bowl—with many eyes upon them. But he opted to stay in and he is happy he did.

“There is a wealth of backgrounds and ideas around these tables,” said McMahon. “A great mix of old and new. I don’t like giving up three Saturdays in the summer but I feel this has been worth the sacrifice. It is a good process and I feel we will make a good recommendation.”

By the end of the day Saturday, the Citizens’ Assembly is expected to render its recommendation to council.

Short biographies of all 24 Citizens’ Assembly members are available on the County’s website, pecounty.on.ca, as well as reference documents, a review of the process, the timeline and method of deliberation.