To move forward with any new idea or make changes to something already in place at City Hall, a City Councillor needs to convince the majority of Council to vote in favour of it.
Over the past four years, the current Ward 6 incumbent has voted against the majority more than any other Councillor, a total of more than 600 times.
Now, sometimes it is important to take a stand and say NO. For example, when the majority of Council wanted to cancel a much-needed improvement to the Wharncliffe and Oxford intersection in Ward 6, while directing another $6.5 million toward the BRT project, which has already gone over budget by about two times the amount, while delivering about half of what was originally proposed. ( https://www.ianleishman.ca/.../a-pillar-of-tax-mismanagement )
But the only way to move anything forward in the best interest of Ward 6 is to work with others, bring them on board with your ideas, and build consensus.
That's what leadership is about.
It's what I've been doing throughout my working career, as a manager at 103.1 Fresh Radio here in London, as a current Business Association President, and as a Real Estate Broker, negotiating and working with others to get things done.
I have the experience, leadership skills, and ability to work with others to be an effective voice for Ward 6 at City Hall.
On October 26th, I'm asking for your support. I hope to earn the trust of you and your neighbours and have the honour of representing Ward 6.
Let's work together for positive change.
Building consensus doesn't mean agreeing with everyone.
There are times when standing alone is absolutely the right thing to do, especially when protecting the interests of Ward 6 residents.
But consistently finding yourself on the losing side of votes raises an important question: Are we effectively building the support needed to get things done for our community?
Having good ideas is one thing. Getting enough support at City Council to actually make them happen is another.
A Councillor has just one vote. To deliver results for Ward 6, you need to be able to work with the other Councillors and the Mayor.
It's not just about how you vote. It's about what you can accomplish.
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Do you think our next Ward 6 Councillor should focus more on building relationships and finding common ground at City Hall?
What changes would you most like to see accomplished over the next four years?
Please share your thoughts.
