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Though I have never been to a city council meeting, I have attended other political meetings, and countless business meetings. While rules of order are important when 45 people are trying to make a decision, the basics of political communication do not always enhance teamwork. In a game involving Robert's Rules, underhanded techniques sometimes win the day. However, in a group where everyone has positive intent, effective communication is easy.
My intention with council would be to lead a unified team with common goals, and to allow each council member to apply their strengths and interests. I would anticipate many facilitated brainstorm sessions, open-format meetings for group discussion, and presentations to council made by smaller teams. I will also continuously instigate open communication and the sharing of ideas, even if the ideas are in conflict. Through logical and intuitive discussion, any issue can be resolved.
A unified team is more than a group of people working together. A bond must be created, and though each individual maintains uniqueness, the strength of the group is enhanced by the connection. One of the ways that council would learn to work as a unit would be through a drumming circle. An organization that teaches Unity through Drumming would organize a drum circle that helps the council find a common rhythm. My intention would be to lead a spiritual council, one whose goal is the betterment of Toronto and mankind.
The first few weeks of council would involve team-building exercises, information gathering, dealing with immediate issues, and defining a long-term group vision. A goal would be set for council within three months to complete status reports of their wards, for presentation to the rest of council. We want to know what is going on, who the people are, where the problems are, and what needs to be done. We also want to know everything that the city is doing in each ward, and where the city is not performing well.
Once status reports have been delivered, the next three months would be spent gathering information, identifying and prioritizing projects, setting goals and forming smaller teams. Each team would focus on a specific project or issue, with all projects in line with long-term goals. Projects would then undergo planning and implementation phases. Resources will have to be balanced to achieve the most success, and sometimes several small projects may be undertaken rather than one big project.
One of the objectives of council members would be to consider ways to allow participation by citizens in the management of their neighborhoods. The concept of Structured Empowerment would be applied, shifting some of the responsibility and decision-making to community groups. Of course city hall must remain the central manager, and must also be open to appeals, but control of neighborhoods belongs with the neighborhoods. With the guidance and assistance of municipal staff, this could be the most beautiful city in the world.
There will be 45 people on the Toronto City Council, each with unique strengths, experience and passion. Our job is to work together as a unified team, and to create something special. Toronto has the opportunity to shine, to show the world how a great city can operate. Over the next four years, we can move Toronto along that path.
© Copyright 2006 Glenn Stewart Coles
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