The CBRM has some economic and social challenges that would make even the world's leading experts break a sweat. High unemployment, unacceptable levels of child poverty, a failing healthcare system, and an exodus of families that have knocked us back to the 1930s level of population.

And despite the immensity of these challenges, in October of this year many of you are going to vote based on likeability and familiarity.

By not demanding that your choice for mayor and council member be the best qualified to the do the job, you're going to make a mistake.

We Have a Flawed District Council System

Our district council system has several flaws. Key among them is that council is designed to attract patriots of our community, but not the younger generation with vigor, and passion, and new modern skillsets to apply to the job.

You see, despite our budget woes, councillors earn just over $38,000 a year for a role that requires their full time energy, effort, and commitment.

That level of income simply cannot compel many young professionals who are trying to progress in their career and start or grow a family.

And so it is, council is largely dominated with good people, many of whom have long since retired from their own careers. For them, $38,000 a year is certainly a welcome addition to their pension income. And, yes, all of them have a calling to support their communities.

However, as we observed with our most recent council, many of them are simply not up to the job. We must do better. But what are our solutions?

Set Term Limits

It's hard to beat likeability. Many young talents have run, and gave it a shot only to be rejected by voters in favor of the name recognition of long time community members. If we cannot prevent voters from falling into the trap of voting based on popularity and name recognition, then we need to impose term limits.

I do not believe any councillor or mayor should be able to serve for more than two consecutive terms for a total of 8 years.

After that time, if they still have a political calling, there are other offices for them to pursue. They can challenge for mayor, provincial MLA, or federal MP.

Note: Term limits is an issue that can be addressed and decided immediately after the election by the next council.

With this structure in place, name recognition and popularity will reign for at most 8 years. However, it will challenge voters to start thinking about new candidates in terms of qualifications.

I assure you that likeability is not going to solve Cape Breton's economic and social challenges. If you vote based on popularity you are voting against the best outcome for our future as a community.

Is This Policy Ageist?

The lack of this policy has lead to a council filled with retired community members, several of advanced age.

However, this is partially because a term limit policy is not yet in place and they've been able to return year after year.

Take note, a term limit structure would also ensure that someone elected at 20 years of age would not be able to serve again at the young age 28. If they start at 90 years of age, then then can go until they are 98. It's about compelling voters to choose based on qualification and not allow anyone to settle into the job to simply coast along forever.

Consider Ray Paruch. He's an example of someone whose age is irrelevant based on his commitment to the role. Mr. Paruch is past the age of retirement. However, he continues to be among the most valuable district councillors we have in place. He does his research and he consistently challenges the issues head on. As much as I am certain he is essential to council, I also believe 2017-2020 should be his last four years to serve us in that role.

Anyone who can make the adaptations to get the job done deserves to be elected to do so.

But that is not the case with present council. We need look no further than the Archibald's Wharf sale vote for an example. As Councillor Eldon MacDonald stated to council, they did not have time to read that agreement. And yet the majority still voted for it anyway.

They absolutely did not do their job that day. They approved an agreement that they didn't have time to review, despite an entire community on the Northside in continual protest. For the record, that's a violation of item #2 of the councillors' pledge.

Long Time Councillors Have Something Very Valuable to Us

Despite advocating that we replace most of our current councillors and all councillors after an 8 year term limit, there is no denying they have something very valuable that we need.

All their time served in office gives them immense political capital, connections, and knowledge. These councillors are still a tremendous asset to the next council and will make great mentors.

There is still a way for them to continue serving their community.

The CBRM Lifetime Councillors Guild

I propose that we create a formal lifetime recognition in the CBRM of all councillors who have served.

This would be a form of self-governing guild.

As soon as any councillor leaves their role after completion of their term, they are automatically inducted into the guild. And their role is limited to two key elements:

• To be voluntarily available to new councillors as mentors and advisors, and
• To be permitted to have one representative address council, once per month, for up to 20 minutes, to address any topic of their choosing.

Similar to SCORE (formerly the "Service Corps of Retired Executives"), the guild would consist of experienced individuals with knowledge and experience to share with the new council. It would be immediately open to all those councillors who are currently retiring, those who have already served at the CBRM or pre-CBRM roles, and those currently on council who should retire their positions.

However, the second element also gives them a platform to speak before council, to bring matters of concern to present before mayor and the serving council at the time.

Examples would be making a presentation that proposes a new program implementation, gives praise to a community member or organization, asks for support of an initiative, or chastises the CBRM for not adequately addressing and prioritizing issues like child poverty, etc.

What is the Cost?

It's a good question, but I have a great answer for you.

The cost is limited to an official certificate of recognition with a seal similar to the one depicted here.

The guild would be self organizing and self governing.

As experienced former elected officials, its members would have both the experience the know how to define their own governance structure. In its most basic form, it would be a collection of individuals who have achieved the recognition. But they would be free to choose to organize it however they like. Zero complications or distractions for the CBRM.

Whichever structure the guild chooses, it would be a volunteer role, and would come at no cost to the CBRM. Yes, that means no feasibility or design studies required to implement it.

Non Decor, Duco

Sometimes true leadership is knowing when to step aside and transition to a new role. There are many councillors who have put in their time serving the community. But now it is time for them to step aside, and continue forward as members of the guild. It's time for them to become mentors and advisors to the next generation.

Non decor, duco. I am not led, I lead.

Joining the guild is the boldest form of leadership, enabled by the highest form of integrity. It demonstrates a willingness to choose to lead by mentorship instead of simply demanding a seat before council. If we enable term limits, we strengthen council without relying on long time councillors to know when to hang up the gloves.