At a monthly breakfast meeting this morning I was asked about how many meetings councillors attend and where our responsibilities lie.
First and foremost, there are regular committee meetings on a six-weekly rotation that all councillors are expected to attend and these are listed on the RDC website.
Next, there are many other meetings, powhiri , openings, visiting delegations and other assorted social events that support and acknowledge the very different aspects that make up our community. These are available for all councillors to attend.
Is it possible to attend all of these? What value comes from these meetings and is it quantifiable? Is it about short term goals or long term relationships?
The decision to attend these meetings is one each individual councillor makes dependent on any number of factors. All councillors have a life outside of council and it is not a full time position. Some weeks, the demands on our time can make it feel like one.
The ebb and flow of meetings means that there is usually time for other commitments and for some, this is in private business. It is very difficult to have the flexibility required to attend council meetings if you are not your own boss.
A significant amount of extra time is spent in preparation for meetings and many councillors spend time researching various areas of interest. The better prepared we are for meetings, the more interesting the debate.
I believe that our community wants and deserves to see its councillors out and about in the community - be it at a formal event or community gathering. They need to feel that they can approach us at any time.
Since being elected to the Council in 2007 I have made it a priority to attend as many meetings as I am able. If you want to see the how many meetings I have been to this year click this link.
Maybe I’ll see you at the next one….
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