Transparency is not a luxury in local governance; it is a necessity. Throughout my tenure as mayor of Chestermere, I believed deeply that residents should have a clear and full understanding of the decisions being made on their behalf. Whether it was a question about the allocation of tax dollars, city infrastructure projects, or public safety initiatives, residents deserve to know how their government is working and why certain choices are being made.
As a local government, transparency creates a sense of ownership and participation in the community. It empowers residents by giving them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their own lives and the future of the city. A transparent government doesn’t operate behind closed doors or hide information from the public; it seeks to involve citizens in the process and ensures they have access to the data that shapes important decisions.
During my time as mayor, one of the first changes I implemented was improving access to key government documents. We worked diligently to ensure that all meeting agendas, reports, and official minutes were easily accessible on the city’s website. This allowed residents to stay informed about what was being discussed in council meetings and how decisions were being made. This level of openness helped demystify the workings of the city government and allowed residents to understand the decisions being made on their behalf.
But transparency isn’t just about sharing documents; it’s about communication. One of the things I worked to improve during my time in office was communication between the city government and residents. In addition to making documents available online, we expanded our use of social media to provide real-time updates on city issues, projects, and policies. We used social media platforms, newsletters, and community forums to engage with residents and share key information about upcoming city decisions.
One key area where transparency was critical was in the budgeting process. I understood that residents wanted to know where their tax dollars were being spent, and I was committed to providing clear, easy-to-understand financial reports. Each year, we presented a detailed budget that was broken down in a way that residents could comprehend. We held public meetings where I walked the community through the budget, highlighting areas of focus, including infrastructure development, public services, and community programs. This open approach allowed residents to see firsthand how their money was being used and gave them the opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns.
One of the most significant challenges of transparency, however, comes when things don’t go as planned. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can avoid challenges—whether it’s a delay in a construction project, a budget shortfall, or an unexpected policy change. I made it a priority to ensure that when issues arose, residents were not left in the dark. When setbacks occurred, I addressed them directly, explained the reasons behind the delays or problems, and provided a clear plan of action for moving forward. I firmly believed that hiding mistakes or missteps only erodes trust, and that being open about challenges strengthened our relationship with residents.
Transparency also meant acknowledging differing viewpoints and being open to public feedback. I held regular town hall meetings and forums where residents could voice their concerns, ask questions, and provide suggestions. These meetings were a vital part of my approach to inclusive governance, as they allowed residents to feel heard and understood. They weren’t just opportunities for me to present the city’s plans; they were also opportunities to listen and adapt based on the needs and desires of the community.
By maintaining transparency in every aspect of governance, we created a culture of trust and collaboration. Residents didn’t just see their government as a distant authority; they saw it as an active, involved partner in shaping the future of Chestermere. The more transparent a government is, the more engaged and invested its citizens become in the decision-making process.
Looking back, I’m proud of the transparency initiatives we put in place. The ability to foster open communication, ensure accessibility to key information, and engage with residents through transparent processes was a vital part of my administration. Transparency is not just about providing information; it’s about building a partnership with the community where every resident feels involved, respected, and informed.