It’s a bit funny to apply (or re-apply) for a job by talking to everyone in town. But when done right, elections are an invaluable way of ensuring that our council members are in touch with the community, aware of pressing issues, and responsive to people’s concerns and aspirations. But what does “done right” lookContinue reading “2026 Election Campaign”
Author Archives: Jeff Wheeldon
Committee Consolidation
I first started blogging in seminary to help me think through an issue thoroughly. How to have a successful resident committee is something I’ve been thinking about for the past five years, off and on, and that issue is coming to a head at Monday’s council meeting. So now is the perfect time for aContinue reading “Committee Consolidation”
End of Term Evaluation: Collaboration
In 2022 I ran on three key values: Vision, Communication, and Collaboration. Each of those values had three key goals. I hope to return to council for the 2026-2030 term, so I thought it worthwhile to evaluate how well I did in achieving those goals. Those values and goals have been on the front pageContinue reading “End of Term Evaluation: Collaboration”
End of Term Evaluation: Communication
In 2022 I ran on three key values: Vision, Communication, and Collaboration. Each of those values had three key goals. I hope to return to council for the 2026-2030 term, so I thought it worthwhile to evaluate how well I did in achieving those goals. Those values and goals have been on the front pageContinue reading “End of Term Evaluation: Communication”
End of Term Evaluation: Vision
In 2022 I ran on three key values: Vision, Communication, and Collaboration. Each of those values had three key goals. I hope to return to council for the 2026-2030 term, so I thought it worthwhile to evaluate how well I did in achieving those goals. Those values and goals have been on the front pageContinue reading “End of Term Evaluation: Vision”
Conservation Authorities in Crisis
I hate click-bait headlines about crises. Maybe especially when they’re true. I’m crisis-ed out. But here we are. It has been a privilege to sit on the board of directors for Lower Trent Conservation Authority this term of council. When councillors were being delegated to various committees and boards, this was one that I wasContinue reading “Conservation Authorities in Crisis”
The Wrong Thing for the Right Reasons
Today I learned that the Hamilton Public Library has reduced its hours, and now requires all library users to scan their library card before they can enter. I feel queasy just thinking about this: public libraries are joyful places where everyone is welcome, knowledge is free, and connection and belonging are available to all. SeeingContinue reading “The Wrong Thing for the Right Reasons”
Concentration of Power
I rarely look at federal politics these days. It is good for my mental health to focus on matters I can actually do something about. Provincial matters are unavoidable for me, because the province (increasingly) directly controls municipalities: the provincial government determines what municipalities can do, how we can do it, and has veto powerContinue reading “Concentration of Power”
Bang for Buck
This morning I attended the Codrington breakfast (which was lovely, as always!), and had a lively conversation over pancakes and sausages about rural broadband and the critical role it plays in economic development and the livelihood of residents. It brought up the question of how governments decide how to spend public funds for infrastructure: doContinue reading “Bang for Buck”
ROMA Conference 2026
The first municipal conference that I ever attended was the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference back in January 2023. While I’ve tried to attend different conferences every year of this term, it seemed to be appropriate to start the last year of the term off with another trip to ROMA. It was a little nostalgicContinue reading “ROMA Conference 2026”