What Does A Mayor Do?

Quick Summary

What does a Mayor do?  I chair meetings. I represent Council's collective voice. I work to build consensus among people with different perspectives. I connect with residents and bring your concerns to the table. I vote (one vote among five) on every decision Town Council makes. 

The Municipal Government Act and our Council Procedural Bylaw give me a platform to serve this community, facilitate good governance, and help Irricana make decisions that reflect our collective values. 

What Does a Mayor Do?

Someone at the dog park asked me this question back during the election campaign. It's a good question and the answer might surprise you.

The Official Duties

According to the Municipal Government Act, legislation which regulates all aspects of municipal governance, the Mayor has three core responsibilities: 

1. Preside over Council meetings. I chair meetings, keep them on track, and ensure everyone gets heard. Our Council Procedural Bylaw gives me some discretion: i can extend time limits for presentations or debates, decide who speaks when multiple people want the floor, and alter the order of business when needed. 

2. Serve as Council's spokesperson. I represent Council's collective decisions to the public and media. 

3. Perform all the duties of a Councillor. Everything every other member of Council which is worthy of an entire post of it’s own.

How do Mayor’s lead?

How do Mayor’s lead? My job is to listen, understand different perspectives, and help Council find common ground. It means setting tone and expectations. It means working with the CAO on agendas. Our bylaw requires the Mayor and CAO to review and approve the agenda together by Thursday afternoon before Monday's Council meeting.

Questions about how municipal government works? Email me at cmacleod@irricana.com. I'll do my best to answer or point you to someone who can.