SYSRC Governance series: Heads up—upcoming series on governance and leadership:

Dear Residents of SYSRC:

My job in its simplest form is to take care of basic SYSRC business, paying the bills and keeping the lights on.

But whenever I take on a job, I try to things leave things in a better state than I found them. It’s important to me that this community feels optimistic for the future.

And so, I decided to address items that were irritants for many of you, e.g.: the office lease, the truck, the LED signs, land assessment etc.  I will soon be establishing a solid accounting, purchasing and financial management system and will start reviewing policies and by-laws, developing a human resources plan, etc.

Before I end my time with SYSRC, I will prepare an exit report for your new council that will include a briefing book on procedures, by-laws, legislation and major issues that they will be facing along with recommendations on how to address the issues.

Since my arrival, I have tried to model the type of leadership that people should want and expect from their local government — a leadership style that is humble, respectful, accountable, transparent, optimistic, open minded, responsive, caring, and focussed on solving problems. You deserve a local government that is future oriented, positive and mindful about how hard you have worked for the property taxes that you pay.

You will only get that type of government if you engage in the electoral process. By that I mean that you should make sure that take the time to vote in May. The other way to make a difference is to run for council yourself. In the few months I’ve been part of SYSRC I have met many wonderful people who sincerely love their community and could make huge contributions at the council table.

I have absolutely no stake in who forms your next council and whether they follow my advice or not as that is outside of my control. But I have come to care deeply about this community, and after 48 years of working with international, national, provincial and municipal organizations, I have seen the best and the worst of governance and leadership. Over the coming days, I’d like to share some of those learnings with you.

I read every single one of your comments on my statements.  I never reply to any online, but I read them all and they help me shape my work, decisions and statements. I have also reached out to commenters on a few occasions.  I learn from the comments so I hope that you comment as I can always stand to continue learning from you. You can also ask questions which I will answer in a  follow-up series nearer the election (i.e. in April).

I encourage you to read my series on governance and to encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same.  So, let’s go on a learning journey together.

In my next statement I will write about the total power you currently hold over your next council.

Don Ferguson
Supervisor SYSRC