Callie's Promise
The first thing I need to acknowledge is the importance of being honest about what a Deputy Mayor can actually accomplish.
Cramahe is the lower tier of a two-tier municipal government, with Northumberland County responsible for many of the services and decisions that directly affect our residents. The Mayor represents Cramahe on County Council, while the Deputy Mayor serves on Cramahe Township Council.
As a result of this structure, I believe it would be difficult to make promises in good faith about outcomes that are ultimately outside the Cramahe Council’s authority.
I wish I could make beautiful promises about primary care, provincial funding, housing, transportation, social services or the many facets of sustainability. However, my personal integrity does not allow me to promise something I would not have the authority to deliver.
Rather than make promises that sound good but may not be within the responsibilities of the position, I will focus on three things I believe I will genuinely be able to contribute to.
My first priority would be strong, sustainable municipal services.
I want to see Cramahe make responsible, long-term decisions about the services and infrastructure that are within our municipal responsibility. That means looking beyond the next budget, understanding the true costs and benefits of decisions, maintaining the infrastructure we already have, supporting our municipal employees and emergency services, and making sure public dollars are being used thoughtfully.
My second priority would be building a connected, resilient and economically strong community.
That means supporting our local businesses, farmers, families, seniors, youth, community organizations and volunteers, while protecting the places and traditions that make Cramahe home. This means recognizing that sustainability is much bigger than one issue. Financial sustainability, environmental resilience, infrastructure, housing, economic development and the ability of people to live, work and remain in our community are all connected.
My third priority would be strong advocacy and collaboration beyond the Township.
While the Deputy Mayor does not have a seat on the County Council, the Township does not operate in isolation. There are issues that matter deeply to Cramahe residents that fall under the responsibility of the County, the Province or other organizations.
I believe the role of a Deputy Mayor includes understanding those relationships, working collaboratively with our Mayor and Council, and making sure that the concerns and perspectives I hear from residents are part of the conversations we have with our partners.
That could mean advocating for our community through the appropriate channels, supporting our Mayor in their work with the County, building relationships with community organizations and other municipalities, and helping connect residents with the level of government or organization that actually has the authority to act.
I will not promise you that I can bring a hospital, secure provincial funding, solve housing, or change a County or Provincial policy, because I would not have the authority to make those promises.
What I can promise is how I will approach the work.
I bring extensive experience operating businesses, solving problems and making decisions with real consequences. I have a proven dedication to research, and I believe in gathering information from different perspectives before deciding what the right path forward is.
I will not pretend to have every answer.
I can promise that I will listen.
I can promise that I will do the research.
I can promise that I will ask questions.
I can promise that I will respect the perspectives of our residents, municipal staff, businesses, farmers, volunteers and advisory committees.
Above all else, I promise that I will continue to always give this community my best and respect each and every one of your voices — whether you agree with me or not.
I do not believe leadership is about promising people everything they want to hear.
I believe leadership is about understanding what we can actually accomplish, doing the work to find solutions, and representing our community with honesty, integrity and respect.
Together, there will always be a solution.