OPINION: Pharand is the voice that this council needed

Pharand understands the role of a councillor.

When Georges Pharand was chosen as the new Lavigne councillor earlier this year, I did not know much about him. At the time, I wrote an opinion, that what got him the position was simply that he “wasn’t named Dave Lewington”. It certainly helped that he praised many of council’s decisions during his interview, while his opponent rightfully criticized the members of council.

Although I still think Lewington would be a great addition on this council, in his short time on council, Pharand has far exceeding my expectations.

Politically speaking, Pharand and I may not align on many issues, but where we clearly line up is in the role of a councillor. That role is to represent taxpayers.

I have been closely following municipal politics for a number of years now. Not just in West Nipissing, but in surrounding communities as well. What I have come to notice is that unelected officials hold a disproportionate amount of power compared to the people elected to actually make decisions.

There is a culture or attitude in municipal politics (in contrast to other levels of government) where it seems politicians work for staff as opposed to staff working for politicians. The growing use of integrity commissioners and “codes of conduct” has tied politicians’ hands and threatened penalties if councillors ask tough questions to staff.

While I do believe there should be a respectful relationship between elected representatives and staff, I don’t think councillors need to walk on egg shells and be afraid to ask questions. I also think it’s unnecessary that councillors spend so much time at meetings thanking staff for every report or presentation they make.

After 18 months in this council term, West Nipissing needed someone like Georges Pharand. At every meeting, Pharand is respectfully pressing staff and forcing them to be much more transparent with the public (sometimes at their detriment).

When the Verner water issue has come up, Pharand has not allowed staff to blame individual homeowners. He also didn’t let them quantify the problem based on official complaints, pointing out that many residents have just given up hope.

When council was faced with approving support for a controversial campground, most councillors were terrified to take a stand risking offending any side or group. But Pharand had the courage to firmly make a decision on the matter.

When the chicken bylaw debate was on the verge of passing prematurely, Pharand stepped up once again. In a similar situation earlier this year, Pharand’s predecessor had an opportunity to delay the passing of the short-sided AirBnB bylaw. But despite having a petition with over 1000 signature, he unfortunately failed to convince his colleagues. Pharand doesn’t seem to have that problem. His education and knowledge are evident in meetings. He always comes prepared to present his points.

But most importantly, he makes it clear, that he is there to represent the people. He works for the constituents and not staff.

Staff and councillors should be respectful towards each other. But they should not be friends. They are not there to joke around or hang out after meetings. Staff are present to answer councillors’ questions and then act on their instructions.

Already since joining this council, staff appear uncomfortable with Pharand’s legitimate questioning. Likely due to recent complaints by staff, this week councillors were expected to attend a refresher training on how to address them. If Pharand keeps doing his job (and other councillors learn from his example), it will be one of many to come. But hopefully, these councillors hold their ground and remember that they work for the taxpayers and not for staff.

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