Curious about the key responsibilities of being on council?
I think the role of a council member is misunderstood. The City of Saint John is a complex organization, with an annual budget of more than 160 million dollars and requires a significant commitment from its elected officials.
Here is some information to help you better understand what the role is and what the role isn’t. During election campaigns, we often see candidates making promises and statements about their views, on the future of the city. I would urge all candidates to start, by reading all of the information provided here. This will help provide a factual starting point on the work completed over the last five years and the plans that will help the city achieve its full potential.
Role Definition
A Councillor of the City of Saint John is an individual, elected in a municipal election or by-election, As Mayor of one of the Wards or At-Large seats on the Saint John City Council.
Eligibility
General Requirements: To be a candidate for Saint John City Council, a person must be:
- 18 years of age on or before election day;
- a Canadian citizen;
- a resident of the province and the municipality for at least six months before election day;
- a person is not qualified to be nominated as a candidate for councillor for a ward unless they are a resident of that ward when they are nominated.
Municipal Elections Act (Section 18)
Responsibilities
A Councillor of the City of Saint John takes on the following responsibilities:
a. Serves the Interests of the Whole Community
As stated in legislation, a councillor shall consider the welfare and interests of the entire municipality when making decisions and bring to the attention of council matters that may promote the welfare or interests of the municipality (Municipalities Act: 36(2.1)(a) and (b))
b. Develops and Evaluates Policies, By-Laws
As part of the decision-making role, council members must take the time to evaluate and review the local government’s by-laws, policies and agreements to ensure they continue to reflect community needs. (Municipalities Act: 36(2.1))
c. Attends Council and Committee Meetings
A councillor’s attendance at, and active participation in, council meetings are required by legislation and are crucial if a local government is to work effectively. Council meetings provide the opportunity for sharing information, debate, consensus-building and ultimately, the making of decisions. (Municipalities Act: 36(2.1)(d))
d. Policy development
Setting policy direction involves engaging in debate, providing input and ideas on programs, bylaws and policies and making decisions through the voting process at council meetings.
e. Representing the Community
Councillors also serve to represent the broad interests of the community and as such, should bring these to the attention of council. There are decisions that council members will make that will unavoidably be unpopular. If council members can remember that they were elected to make decisions that are in the best interests of the whole community (both short and long term), it will help when difficult decisions have to be made.
f. Financial Role
In establishing the budget and subsequent tax rate, councillors must adhere to municipal accounting principles and financial policies when determining how a municipality will allocate its funds. Working with administrative staff, they must constantly assess needs in determining the level of services to bring to residents/businesses of the community.
g. Conflict Resolution Role
Differences of opinion amongst councillors and residents are a normal and healthy part of the decision-making process. To ensure that a thorough and fair process has been followed before reaching a final decision, councillors are expected to listen to and respect other’s opinions on the issue, to review all administrative research, advice and options, as well as any policy and budgetary consequences, before voting on the matter.
h. Other functions
From time to time, councillors will be assigned other duties. This may range from sitting on specific committees to representing the community at a particular function where the mayor or deputy mayor is unable to attend. Councillors also have a legislated obligation to participate in any other body to which he or she has been appointed by the council. (Municipalities Act: 36(2.1)(d))
