Wednesday, October 15, 2014

More women needed on council



Research shows that boards that are more diverse are better able to consider challenges from all perspectives.  I would add that, by extension, better decisions.  This same rationale applies to municipal councils.
  • In general, women practice more collaborative styles of working that benefit decision-making and inclusive processes.
  • Women are already more involved in the community
  • That increased knowledge leads to better services, more efficient use of resources and more informed decision making by elected officials.
  • Municipalities are more effective in meeting the needs of women and their families when women participate in decision-making.
  • Increased participation creates more opportunities for women to take leadership roles within the community.

Local government remains the order of government closest to the people. When it comes to municipal decision making, men and women are equal in their experiences, concerns and talents, and are equally valuable to the entire decision-making process.   However, it is important to avoid assuming that all women or all men share the same needs and perspectives. Although we share a common concern for issues such as roads, parks, housing, transportation and health, each person experiences these differently.

Understanding that decisions made by municipal governments may impact women and men differently underlines the importance of the participation of, and consultation with, a broad range of diverse individuals.

Above all, I would urge voters not to follow in the wake of Toronto and Mississauga.  Don’t let partisan politics get in the way of voting for the best candidate for council.  Block voting does nothing for the community, and, in fact, blocks 20/20 vision. 
Municipal elections are October 27th.   Before making your mark on your ballot for this municipal election, consider the best woman for the job.  



(Some comments have been taken from the FCM website.)