EZT Council debates Strong Mayor Powers

Mayor Phil Schaefer addressed council following news that he will be granted Strong Mayor Powers starting May 1, a move that has sparked concern among East Zorra-Tavistock councillors about its impact on local democracy and the role of elected officials. www.ezt.ca photo

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mayor Phil Schaefer released a statement when he first found out he would be joining 168 other mayors in receiving Strong Mayor Powers on May 1. At last Wednesday’s East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) council meeting, other elected officials had their say.

Councillors discussed the province’s move to add Schaefer to the list of those with the ability to make decisions that include firing and hiring senior staff, coming up with a budget with little input from other elected officials and overriding some council votes.

Coun. Jeremy Smith said it’s unfortunate mayors have been put in this position.

“Every decision made will have amplified scrutiny. I certainly feel for Phil in that regard. … It’s unfortunate this American style of municipal governance continues to make inroads in Ontario at the will of the provincial government of the day.”

He added the move could diminish the role of the six councillors around the EZT horseshoe to dilute the concept of majority rule and inflict a disservice on local democracy.

“The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) believes Strong Mayor Powers have blurred the political administrative authority between the roles of head of council and chief administrative officer, threatening the neutrality of the public service,” an AMCTO spokesperson told the Gazette recently.

Smith added the widening of the original bill is expanding mayoral powers in Ontario in ways that are without precedent in western democracies.

“As we enter this new reality as of May 1, let's pause for sober thought and work not to change the way we approach our duties as singular elected officials, and as a collective of council,” he added.

Deputy mayor Brad Smith explained if he were in Schaefer’s chair, he would stay away from it as far as he possibly could.

“To me, it looks like a way to be a one-term mayor. … If you see something you don’t like going on with your council or your administration and you use these powers, I can see not getting much accomplished.”

Schaefer admitted these are sweeping powers and reiterated he likely won’t use them.

“I expect I will be delegating the personnel portion of these powers as well as the budget. I think you have to have some sort of separation between the politicians and staff, so … I will be considering delegating those powers.”

He added there is a certain harmony needed in a municipal council as well as coordination between staff and council.

“Does that mean we have to agree on everything? No, it does not. But this harmony needs to exist to some extent in order for the people around this horseshoe to do what’s best for the township and its people.”

Schaefer doesn’t feel the province is looking to cause havoc at the municipal level, but he admitted the result could be just that, if the powers aren’t used properly. He added the provincial government has taken this step because it wants to get development moving.

“That’s the short answer. I’m confident that with us, especially considering we are in a two-tier system, we can get things done with a spirit of cooperation. … I think the opportunity to use these is going to be fairly limited, especially when you are in a two-tier system like we are.”

Oxford County is in charge of EZT’s official plan and also makes decisions on water and wastewater, all key aspects of residential and commercial development.      

“If I think something is a good idea, I don’t see why I can’t get a majority of council to agree to that,” Schaefer said.

Coun. Steven Van Wyk said his worry isn’t in the short term, but with a mayor who could decide to use Strong Mayor Powers in the future.

“There is nothing we can do about this. It’s being legislated in, but I definitely do have concerns in general. Who knows who is going to run for mayor next time and who gets in, … where they are going to be able to fire the CAO, reorganize department heads. Someone could cause havoc.”

Deputy mayor Brad Smith asked if there was any way EZT could declare itself an unwilling host, much like the move made to reject a potential wind-power development in the township. Schaefer said even if they did, it wouldn’t make a difference.

“This is happening May 1 whether council likes it or not. How a mayor and a council handle these new powers is going to be key. To send a message to the government that EZT doesn’t want to take on these powers to promote provincial initiatives, I don’t think would be a good look and ineffective as well.”

Will Jaques no longer with EZT

An 11-year employee of the township is no longer on staff. Will Jaques was named the township’s corporate services manager in 2014 but left that role to become EZT’s manager of community and recreation services.

“Since the situation with Mr. Jaques is an HR matter, I am not at liberty to discuss the nature or timing of his departure. However, I can confirm that the position will not be replaced and an updated organizational chart will be coming to a future meeting of council,” said CAO Karen DePrest.  

She added Jaques' duties have been redistributed among various positions within the organization. No reason was released for his departure.