Standing Up When It Matters: Let’s Talk About August 21, 2023

Commitment to Accountability and Respect in Leadership: Let’s Talk About August 21, 2023

On August 21, 2023, a defining moment unfolded at Medicine Hat City Hall, one that underscored the importance of accountability, transparency and respect in leadership. It was one of those times when I knew I couldn’t stay silent. I had to speak up, and I could see others on council waiting for someone to do just that. You know the saying: If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

That evening, Mayor Clark was questioning our CAO. And let me be clear: the Mayor had every right to do so. In fact, it is not just a right, it’s a duty. Council must hold the CAO accountable; that is an important part of how municipal government works. The Mayor’s questions were valid, and accountability at that level is something the public deserves.

Where I took issue was how the exchange was happening. With nearly three decades of HR experience, I know that while accountability is essential, it must be carried out in a way that respects the individual and the process. Calling out a staff member in a public setting crosses a line. It risks undermining both the individual and the office, and it doesn’t reflect the professional standard we owe our administration.

And let’s be clear: accountability can never be about who we personally like or don’t like. That is the whole point. It cannot be selective. True accountability means holding people to the same standard, regardless of our personal feelings. It is easy to demand answers when we are frustrated with someone; it is harder, and more important, to do so when we respect and value them. Leadership requires us to apply accountability fairly, not just when it’s convenient.

So I stepped in. Some people say I can be a bit of a bulldog, and they’re not wrong - I don’t back down when something isn’t right. This was one of those moments. I didn’t intervene because accountability wasn’t important; I intervened because accountability is important, and it needs to happen in the right place. Behind closed doors, (AKA Closed Council Meeting) council can ask tough questions and demand honest answers without embarrassment or loss of trust. Open dialogue should always be encouraged, but it must be rooted in both dignity and professionalism.

That night was a reminder of how essential accountability is to good governance. Business owners, community members and industries rely on clarity and honest answers. The Mayor’s call for accountability reflected frustrations many of us share and ones I have come to understand more deeply since. But even in moments of tension, we must balance accountability with respect to ensure the process strengthens trust rather than erodes it.

The lesson is clear: council must demand accountability from its administration, but it must also safeguard professionalism in how those questions are asked. Personnel matters belong in private settings; our broader debates, decisions and vision must be aired publicly. Transparency builds trust. Accountability secures it.

As your candidate, I remain committed to a culture of both accountability and respect - where council does not shy away from asking the hard questions, and where administration can respond knowing they will be treated with fairness and professionalism. Together, we can build a city government that is honest, effective and worthy of the community it serves.