Smiths Falls’ three mayoral candidates are expressing reservations about using strong mayor powers, but their answers reveal different boundaries on when they might consider them.
During the all-candidates meeting, Nate Morris, Chris Cummings and Peter McKenna outlined how they would approach disagreements, work with councillors and handle decisions about municipal leadership.
Morris said debate at the council table matters and promised he would not use the powers, with one exception.
Morris argued that announcing his intention during the campaign gives voters an opportunity to make an informed choice. He said that differs from keeping such a plan quiet and acting only after taking office.
He described his position as a specific campaign commitment, while maintaining his opposition to using the powers in other circumstances.
Allaudio in this story is provided by YourTV Smiths Falls.
Cummings said he studied the legislation and arguments on both sides before taking a position. While he understood why some might see a role for the powers in larger communities with wards, he argued that Smiths Falls has a different electoral structure.
Cummings noted that the mayor and all six councillors are elected by the community as a whole. Each, he said, must consider the interests of the entire town.
When disagreements arise, he said the mayor should present information, explain the case, listen and seek common ground. Overriding councillors, he argued, would damage the trust needed throughout a four-year term.
McKenna said he could not foresee needing the powers, although he identified a possible exceptional circumstance.
McKenna described his experience with councillors who could disagree and still leave as colleagues.
He also defended municipal staff and rejected using strong mayor powers to replace the town’s chief administrative officer, saying mechanisms already exist to evaluate the CAO’s performance.
