Politics is not for everyone.
But for city residence, municipal politics has a deep impact on living in Humboldt.
How does water get from a SaskWater facility to our taps?
How does that burnt out street light gets fixed?
Who mows the grass at the park down the street?
Who makes sure there are swimming lessons available?
City councillors and staff are very open to talk about what they do on different committees and as members of city council.
Learning about city politics is a lot of work.
For this first part, I spoke with Mayor Malcolm Eaton on the different aspects of his job.
As mayor, he is the head of the city council and directs the discussion during the meetings as they cover important issues and make decisions on different problems that may face the city.
The mayor signs bylaws and agreements into affect but decisions are made together as a council.
Another part of his job as mayor is to be out in the community, says Eaton.
Humboldt has a lot of local events and Eaton says it is important for mayors to be out in the community, speaking to residents.
“Being at the rink, going to lunch at the Community Gathering Place when they have their lunches, the role as mayor is to be a visible member of the community.”
Eaton says that Humboldt is very fortunate that we have so many community groups and organizations that plan events.
Some of these events are planned by the city itself, like town hall meetings to discuss matters like flooding and building a multiplex. These are also important avenues to meet and talk with people, says Eaton.
“It’s one thing to sit around the table as councillors, and we do represent the people, but it’s important for us to have these opportunities for people to make presentations.”
Delegations come to council meetings to present issues or ideas to the city to discuss and consider.
If people have concerns or issues, staff at the city are always there to help.
Big picture issues are things councillors and the mayor should be discussing, says Eaton.
Things like taxation, infrastructure, improving facilities, “those are good questions for councillors to be talking about and hearing from people,” says Eaton.
It is important that people feel comfortable raising these issues, says Eaton, and the city has to find ways of encouraging people to do that.
Having a voice is very important also on the provincial and federal level, Eaton says.
The mayor is the voice for the city on these levels, with many different conferences and meetings to attend throughout the year.
Eaton says that Humboldt has established a good presence with the provincial government through MLA Donna Harpauer and attends events like budget days and the speech from the throne.
Representing Humboldt in other groups, like Saskatchewan Urban Municipal Association, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities is also important.
These meetings give the mayor a chance to share ideas and solutions with other communities and bring new ideas into Humboldt.
“You have an opportunity to learn and connect with colleagues, so there are things you are bringing back and we have things to share.”
