The Politics Of Building A City
April 7th, 2008 | By: Sean Aiken | Category: Job Updates | 4 Comments »
My week as Mayor of Port Moody has come to an end. Although I wasn’t able to pass a bylaw requiring every Port Moody resident to simultaneously try out a completely unrelated profession for one week each year, I still enjoyed the experience.
I have such a love for the city, that I found it really interesting to be involved in discussions that will impact its future growth and direction. I felt as if I was “in the know.”
I think a common misconception is the extent of the Mayor’s authority on decision making. I previously thought that it was the Mayor who made final decisions based on recommendations from City Council. I was surprised to learn that the Mayor simply has one vote. Though, if things happen to go wrong, he is generally the one that gets the blame in the newspapers.
It’s a difficult position to be in. On one hand, you want to keep everyone happy and make choices you feel will benefit the city. Though on the other, tough decisions have to be made and your opinion will undoubtedly differ from those of some in the community.
As Mayor Trasolini told me, “you must have a sense of humour in this profession.”
As we place ourselves in a position that is more accessible to a wider audience, you open yourself up to criticism. I experienced this over the past year and received some advice just over half-way through:
In anything that we do, there will always be critics – a third of people are going to love what you do, a third will hate it, and another third won’t care.
(In an elected position, I guess you only hope that a third will be enough to give you the majority vote!)
I could definitely see myself (at some point down the road) running for Mayor or City Council. Then again, after this past year I have realized I could see myself doing many things!
-Sean
You mean that’s it the journey is over? What now how often do I check the web page? Part of my weekly routine is over. Where does this go from here? How often should I check for updates? So many questions. There is so much of the story left yet how can I stay connected without the guarantee of a regular update?
haha, don’t worry i will be writing a blog as I write the book though not as often. also, Ian will still be adding video episodes of my previous jobs periodically – sign up on the home page to receive email updates.
we are going to change the website around and i will give details in a post about what to expect in the coming months.
so to answer your question, no the journey isn’t over. I have a feeling it’s just the beginning!
Hey Sean,
What an appropriate conclusion to your journey – to be back at your home town, in a position that demands real involvement with its daily life. I imagine that this is probably a poignant moment for you – an end of something amazing, but also the beginning of something new and as yet unknown. I look forward to continuing to read your blog.
I’ve just launched an interview series on my blog called “Bold Moves,” where I interview people who are taking unusual paths toward finding or creating work they feel passionate about. I’d love to interview you for it at some point if that appeals to you. (I’ve just posted the first interview, if you’d like to check it out.)
Take good care and keep on inspiring people!
-Izabella
Hi! Congratulations.
Thanks!