https://youtu.be/dgPTAN1lrxU?si=_t27msccTG8WXuhL

Discover key insights from mayors about the challenges and rewards of local leadership. Learn what it truly means to serve your community.

Good morning, everyone! Today, we're diving into a heartfelt conversation among local leaders who have collectively served their communities for years. With the upcoming municipal elections, we'll explore what it means to be a mayor, the unique challenges faced, and the importance of civility in public service. Together, we'll reflect on our experiences and share valuable insights that can guide both candidates and voters.

About Our Panel of Mayors

Adam Lordon has served as the mayor of Miramichi, New Brunswick, for ten years. With a background in television and media production, he has seamlessly blended his passion for community service with his professional skills. As mayor, Adam has focused on embracing change and fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Dawn Arnold began her political journey in response to community issues that inspired her to act. After serving multiple terms as mayor of Moncton, she recently transitioned to a role in the Canadian Senate, where she continues to advocate for necessary changes at a higher level. Her empathetic approach to leadership has been a hallmark of her career.

Mike O'Brien, a former mayor of Fredericton, brings a wealth of experience from his years in local government. Known for his dedication and community involvement, Michael has shaped the city's narrative and actively contributed to its development during his tenure.

The Daily Life of a Mayor: Beyond the Headlines

Being a mayor is often portrayed in the media as a glamorous role, but the reality is quite different. Adam Lordon emphasizes that there is no playbook for being a mayor; each leader must carve their own path. One of the most significant aspects of the role is the constant engagement with the community.

The Personal Connection
As Adam shares, being a mayor is deeply personal. Residents often view you not just as a figurehead but as a part of their community. Attending local events, supporting initiatives, and being a familiar face in the community are crucial to building trust and rapport.

Mike O'Brien adds that the role requires a 24/7 commitment.

You can't escape the reality of being the face of the city, which means addressing both good and bad issues that arise. This constant connection can be rewarding but also challenging, as it requires balancing personal life with public duty.

Challenges Faced by Mayors
Every mayor faces unique challenges, and the insights from our panel shed light on common issues.

Navigating Change
Dawn Arnold highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in politics. After years in office, she found that her empathy for others was at an all-time low, prompting her to seek a higher office to address systemic issues more effectively. This reflects a broader challenge many leaders face: the need to maintain compassion and connection amidst the pressures of public service.

The Weight of Responsibility
Mike O'Brien speaks to the immense honour and responsibility that come with being a mayor. Despite the challenges, he would do it again in a heartbeat, emphasizing the fulfillment that comes from serving the community. However, he also acknowledges the personal sacrifices made, including the impact on family life and personal time.

The Importance of Civility in Public Life
As the conversation unfolds, the panel discusses the growing need for civility in public discourse. In an age of heightened polarization, maintaining respect and open dialogue is crucial for effective governance.

Leading by Example
Adam stresses the importance of leading by example, particularly in challenging times. Mayors have a platform to model respectful communication, which can influence the tone of public interactions. Dawn adds that, as leaders, they must strive to create spaces for constructive conversations that address their communities' needs.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders and Voters
As we conclude our discussion, here are some valuable takeaways for those considering a run for office or looking to engage in local politics:
- Embrace change: Be open to evolving your approach to leadership.
- Build connections: Engage with your community to foster trust and support.
- Prioritize civility: Model respectful communication in all interactions.
- Stay empathetic: Remember the human aspect of leadership and strive to understand diverse perspectives.

Conclusion
In summary, being a mayor is a multifaceted role that requires dedication, empathy, and resilience. As local leaders, Adam, Dawn, and Mike have shared invaluable insights that highlight the importance of community connection, the challenges of governance, and the need for civility in public life. For aspiring leaders and engaged voters alike, these lessons serve as a guiding light in navigating the complexities of local politics.

Last Monday night, Saint John Common Council heard from the leaders of New Brunswick's three political parties on how they would address the city's top priorities. One issue stood out: the future of Saint John Energy (SJE) and the need for new provincial legislation to support its corporatization.

Conversations around SJE's future have been ongoing with the provincial government for six years since 2018. At that time, SJE consistently proved to be one of the province's most innovative and reliable utilities. The business community often advises elected leaders to "bet on proven performers," and that's precisely what SJE is. Both Susan Holt and David Coon support SJE's corporatization, while Premier Blaine Higgs' more cautious stance puts the utility's progress at risk.

For a deeper look into how these political leaders position themselves, refer to the latest Saint John Energy article on provincial leaders' positions on SJE's corporatization.

“For six years, SJE has been proving itself as a leader. It’s time for provincial leaders to step up and support its success.”

Saint John Energy: An Asset for the Entire Province

Saint John Energy has been a model of innovation, efficiency, and community service for over a century. Its success isn't just a local advantage—it's an opportunity for all New Brunswickers. Whether through its renewable energy projects or its commitment to affordable rates, SJE has consistently shown what a utility can achieve.

Both Susan Holt and David Coon understand this. During their presentations, they recognized the benefits of corporatizing SJE and committed to supporting the legislation needed to unlock its full potential. They see what I see: SJE's innovation doesn't just benefit Saint John — it benefits the entire province.

“SJE isn’t just Saint John’s advantage — it’s an advantage for all of New Brunswick.”

Premier Higgs' Reluctance: A Cause for Concern

However, Premier Blaine Higgs expressed more hesitation. His concerns seem rooted in protecting NB Power and preventing any perceived threat to the provincial energy structure. But this approach misses the bigger picture. Saint John Energy is not the problem — it's a crucial part of the solution. By holding SJE back, we're only delaying progress for the entire province.

I've heard these concerns from Higgs before. 2019, during my time as mayor, he told me it wasn't fair for Saint John to have an advantage over the rest of the province with SJE. My response then, as it is now, was: "Could we have one?"

This reluctance mirrors his broader actions—or inactions—regarding Saint John. As mayor, I focused on addressing the root causes of issues, including tax reform, which is critical for the city's long-term growth. My experience, shaped by being in the room, is that Blaine Higgs has not kept his promises to Saint John. His last remaining MLA in the city has quietly endorsed his inaction, offering no meaningful pushback.

“We need leaders who embrace innovation, not hold it back to protect the status quo.”

Leadership and the Community

Saint John Energy is more than just a utility. Its leadership, exemplified by CEO Ryan Mitchell, has continually pushed the boundaries of what a public service can do. Recently, SJE announced its partnership in the Sunnyside tiny home community, a project supporting vulnerable populations. This kind of leadership doesn't just serve the bottom line — it serves the community.

SJE's involvement in initiatives like Sunnyside shows that a utility can leverage its success for broader community impact, all while maintaining its core mission of delivering affordable and sustainable energy.

“SJE’s commitment to the community is as strong as its commitment to delivering reliable, affordable energy.”

Engage with Candidates

If I were still in office, I wouldn't vote in Council on this issue because the Council is already on the right side of history here. What I would be doing — and what I'm doing now — is encouraging voters to engage with the candidates who come to their doors. When they knock, ask them where they stand on Saint John Energy. Ask them if they'll support the legislation giving SJE the freedom to lead in renewable energy and innovation.

We must elect MLAs who understand the issues and have the Premier's ear. We need leaders who will advocate for initiatives like SJE that deliver the best results and get them across the finish line—not those who sabotage the best interests of Saint John and its citizens. The future of SJE and our province's energy landscape depends on who will stand up and support progress.

“When candidates come to your door, ask them directly: Will you pass the legislation needed for Saint John Energy’s corporatization?”

Let's Be Clear About the Stakes

As voters, knowing who will support Saint John Energy's future and who might hinder its progress is crucial. Susan Holt and David Coon have shown they are ready to move SJE forward, while Premier Higgs remains a risk due to his reluctance to embrace corporatization. These discussions with the provincial government have been happening for six years, and it's time to move forward with proven performers like SJE.

When candidates come to your door, don't hesitate to ask them where they stand on this crucial issue. We need MLAs who will fight for Saint John's interests, work with the Premier, and deliver the results our city and province need. The future of SJE — and New Brunswick's energy sector — depends on it.

“Saint John Energy has repeatedly proven itself — now it’s up to our leaders to ensure it has the freedom to thrive.”

I've been losing sleep over my lived experience and observations of our political landscape. I don't want to see a further decline, so I wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister, Federal Party leaders and the Premiers.

Despite our challenges, we are not broken, and our challenges have solutions. We live in a world of political extremes, where poling, sound bites and promises dominate conversations, and actual outcomes are rarely measured.

When positive news or outcomes are achieved, a lack of trust, partisan commentary, and overwhelming information noise make distinguishing between facts, fiction, and opinion difficult.

Citizens who exercise their democratic right to vote, our powerful beyond belief. Vote however you'd like and for whoever you'd like. I'd plead with you to do that from an educated and informed place.

We have every right to hold candidates and elected officials accountable and to deliver details, action plans and outcomes that matter.

It's easy for politicians to tell us what we want to hear. Moving forward, we need a new approach built on engagement, transparency, accountability, equity and results.

Dear Federal Party Leaders and Premiers,

As a concerned citizen of Canada, I implore you to enhance trust with elected officials and end the false narrative that Canada is broken. Our country is built on a foundation of diversity, inclusion, and democracy, and we must preserve these values as Canadians.

Seeing the erosion of trust between citizens and elected officials is disheartening. We need leaders willing to work together, put aside political differences, and collaborate to tackle the issues facing our country. Instead of tearing each other down and spreading false narratives, let's focus on finding common ground and working towards solutions that benefit all Canadians.

We must also recognize the importance of accurate and truthful information. False narratives and disinformation only serve to divide and harm our society. As leaders, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of our democracy and ensure that Canadians have access to reliable information.

Playing a dangerous game with our democracy to win votes is not only unethical, but it's also reckless. Democracy is the foundation of our society, and we must preserve and protect it.

Unfortunately, some politicians are willing to compromise our democracy for short-term political gain. They engage in divisive rhetoric, spread false information, and even resort to undemocratic tactics to win votes. This undermines the very principles of democracy and puts our society at risk.

We need leaders committed to upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions and processes. They must be willing to engage in honest and respectful dialogue, work collaboratively to find solutions, and prioritize the needs of all Canadians, not just their political base.

As citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they act in the best interests of our democracy. We must reject the dangerous game of politics that undermines our democracy and instead work towards a future where democracy is strengthened and protected.

Let's stand up for our democracy and send a message that we will not tolerate those who seek to play a dangerous game with it to win votes.

Let us work toward a Canada where trust is restored and we can have an open and honest dialogue about our nation's challenges. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to build a strong and united Canada.

#ProtectDemocracy #EthicalLeadership #VoteWisely

We have a culture problem in Saint John, and it’s deeply rooted. Depending on who you talk to, there are multiple perspectives on the root causes.

Some characterize our city and residents as whiners, ungrateful, and combative. A whole other group is growing weary of the undercurrent and repercussions of speaking up, questioning outcomes, and attempting to hold organizations and individuals accountable.

We populate our boards with exceptional leaders who know the difference. Good leaders whose careers are based on high performance in their duties, developing clear strategies and objectives, delivering on their work plans, and accepting accountability for outcomes.

But something about the culture we have created seems to cause many to leave that discipline and professionalism at the door when it comes to the commissions and boards that serve our city.

I ask those who serve, would your company tolerate this level of performance, vague commitments, and lack of accountability?

There’s an expectation that these organizations will receive public funding even though they systematically reject the fundamental principles of meaningful transparency, accountability, innovation, the ability or willingness to adapt to challenges and opportunities, and the drive to deliver outcomes that matter.

When you look at the data — if you can find it — it’s clear that we’ve fallen behind; benefits fail to flow to the majority of citizens. Throughout our history, there has been no “trickle down.” We’ve been unable to shift from manufactured narratives or expensive marketing slogans to sustained, meaningful results for our community.

In short, I can’t tell if Envision is an economic development firm or a marketing agency.

We should celebrate our wins and what we do best and focus on regional growth. However, our wins and growth must be told through measured, reported data that clearly shows our progress and the benefits to people and our deficiencies so we can see where to improve.

Tolerance for bad practices that wouldn’t be tolerated in business

Why don’t people in positions of authority or political influence talk about these issues? Why is it acceptable in these agencies by the people who serve on them when it would never be acceptable in private sector organizations, sometimes with the same people at the table?

Recently I read an article entitled “Growth Fantasies Setting the Urban Agenda in Saint John, New Brunswick, 1960–1976.” Written by Greg Marquis of UNB (link below). This was a powerful examination of a period that prioritized a growth narrative and a concentration of power. Reading this article, and based on my experience as Mayor, this was accurate and sadly still applies today.

A summary of the article from the 1960s is that a group of influencers lobbied the government and others with a narrative that growth would solve all of our problems, taxpayers’ money should be invested, that tax concessions should be given, and everyone would benefit. In other words, the benefits would “trickle down.”

Guess what? Those trickle-down growth plans did not work. The economic outcomes are questionable, social challenges persist, and wealth is concentrated in small groups.

If you raised concerns during that period (and since), the response was to silence and mock dissenters, and it was swift and mighty.

Here’s the article for you to read.

View of Growth Fantasies: Setting the Urban Agenda in  Saint John, New Brunswick, 1960-1976 | Acadiensis

Our industrial city’s yoke

We live in a province and region where there’s a concentration of power, funding, and favouritism in very few private hands, a culture that accepts poor performance in government, a failure to address barriers and, in some cases, even to acknowledge they exist, and a loss of leadership that runs wide and deep.

We’re plagued with chronic poverty, social challenges, addictions, mental health challenges, and a lack of affordable housing, and many groups working to deliver support are growing frustrated and are understandably tired.

If we reflect on the amount of just our city’s taxpayer’s money spent over the last two decades on economic development (likely $40 to $50 million City dollars), I believe there is plenty of justification for demanding better data and measurement of progress that empowers us to make more mature decisions.

And not only are we not measuring and reporting, but we’re also not benchmarking ourselves compared to other similar communities to ensure we’re growth-ready and competitive. For example, Envision reports that building permit values are up $3.1 million, but our supply lags significantly behind Moncton. This means that our house prices will be higher, our selection poorer, and we will have one hand behind our back in attracting new residents in the coming years comparatively.

This didn’t happen overnight. We watched it happen to ourselves, and we let it happen.

In one generation, Saint John has gone from the largest city in New Brunswick, with the largest tax base and leading employment numbers, to no longer leading in any of those categories.

Leaders need to be held accountable

I mention these challenges for two reasons. First, because it is a failure of our systems that we have so many people that are left behind, that the challenges we face as a community, region and province have persisted for decades, and secondly, as further evidence that leaders fail to assign the resources necessary and demonstrate the political will to improve outcomes and measure progress in a meaningful way.

Showing up, speaking up, engaging with the community and making tough decisions was and remain areas I’m passionate about.

When I became Mayor in 2016, it was with a particular focus on growth (population, jobs, and the tax base) and fiscal sustainability. Surprisingly, despite many plans, announcements and celebrations over the years, the results were poor and sustainability uncertain.

These issues matter to me because they are directly linked to improving citizens’ quality of life and equity in our community. Operating with transparency, reforming systems, and reshaping culture all result in improved and meaningful outcomes.

Many people in our community and the province are growing cynical of our elected officials and their ability or willingness to deliver change. The issues are complex and require competent, motivated, and skilled people willing to engage with citizens, measure progress, and commit to rejecting power brokers interested only in their riches or the patently dishonest narrative of trickle-down economics.

If public dollars are invested, show the public the business case, and protect those investments to ensure the stated benefits are realized. No public data should mean no public money.

What we asked for, agreed to, and why

Economic development was a consistent focus throughout my five years at city hall. Despite significant resistance from many quarters, we identified our shortcomings, challenged the status quo, and, despite deep-rooted resistance, we redefined success and made necessary changes.

Results started to improve, and it was evident that results will come when you build a strategy, focus resources, and measure progress.

2019 and 2020 were difficult times for the City of Saint John, we faced financial unsustainability, and significant resources were applied to achieving fundamental changes from the Province in the form of tax reform and regional cost sharing. We had written and verbal commitments from the Premier, a signed cabinet document, and personal commitments from our local Members of the Legislature (MLAs).

Economic development was once again a significant focus, and throughout early 2020, a working group came together with a recommendation for a combined agency, which we now know as Envision Saint John. This would become a regional agency, a merger of Discover Saint John, Develop Saint John, Population Growth, and Economic Development Greater Saint John.

Throughout the deliberations, I was consistent in my commentary (as was the council) that this organization must be a strategic, high-performance, transparent organization (like the Halifax Partnership), it must be funded equitably, and more broad regional cost sharing needed to be addressed and was committed to by the Premier.

The conversation continued, details were fine-tuned, letters of support flowed from around the Province, and the concept began to gain momentum.

One of the elements of being Mayor that I have reflected on often is how difficult it is to get projects over the finish line. Was I consistent in my feedback and comments on expectations? Yes, I was. Were the commitments kept on more broad regional cost sharing? No, they were not.

Undermined by failed commitments

Somedays, I wish I didn’t care and could let go of the disappointment in these files. The Premier of this Province could look you in the eye, shake your hand and tell you he was going to do something specific, only to turn around and not deliver. Once again, wealthy influencers outside of our city, who haven’t and don’t pay their share of the costs, won the day.

The Province even commissioned a study that pegged costs to SJ taxpayers to support the region at $10 million dollars plus per year. But, as you’ll see, the ugliest aspects of politics kept decision-makers from making the tough but necessary decisions to put us on a new sustainable path.

With the pressure to fix this deficit, the vote went through, and the new combined regional economic agency was born. That was the summer of 2020, with a targeted start date of January 2021.

This was a big transition time, and there was a lot of chatter going on behind the scenes. A members’ agreement had to be finalized, a board structured, and a new CEO found.

When the selection committee ultimately chose their CEO, I received several calls with concerns about the selection process; the board’s selection committee chose someone from their own advisory committee to be the CEO and a “national search” landing on an insider was not landing well. There was a public outcry about the process and the new agency selecting one of its own.

Based on the many conversations I had with the advisory committee members and city staff, I put my integrity on the line and defended the new organization needing some time to find its feet.

Reflecting on where we are in November of 2022, I can tell you that I am profoundly disappointed and underwhelmed by the agency and that significant gaps exist between what was discussed and agreed to and what’s happening today. Saint John is falling far behind as a result.

Not only do I regret supporting and defending this organization and its leadership, but we would also have been better off with the status quo, which would have had agencies providing focus and critical support to the growth agenda in the City of Saint John.

Here is the entire members’ agreement, approved by our Council and signed by myself as Mayor, which is the prospectus that formed the expectations and responsibilities of the agency. Many gaps exist, and they must be addressed urgently.

Envision - Members' Agreement.pdf

Private dealings undermine public confidence

I know several very competent and talented staff within the agency, and several exceptional staff have either left or have been, regrettably, let go. My comments today are not directed at them, but I sound the alarm bells for the board, municipal funders and councils to exercise their rights to ask questions and not accept answers that “all is well.” There are problems, and there have been for more than a year.

Why am I disappointed? Because this agency has not yet met the expectations set in the beginning that should have been achieved by now, it is not demonstrating new behaviours, transparency, urgency, engaging with the community in a meaningful way, and committing to meaningful metrics that position our city and region as leaders.

We’re celebrating mediocrity, which we’ve done too much of in the past.

Why are our leaders not talking about this in public?

This city has too many secrets, closed-room conversations, and a lack of transparency, especially concerning public expenditures and actual results. I’m not talking about “activities,” like the billboards celebrating projects around the city; I’m talking about actual results attributable to actions and decisions made by Envision Saint John.

Why have I not just picked up the phone and privately addressed this issue with board members, councillors, or MLAs? Because that’s the backroom nonsense that finds us in this position. That’s the culture of whispers that we need to put an end to in New Brunswick if we are going to fill our shoes.

I have first-hand experience participating in meetings where conversations with reasonable questions about accountability and results are met with excuses and temper tantrums. Oh, the temper tantrums.

When it comes to funding, this is far from equitable either. We’re stuck with the same narrative that the wealthy communities (based on household income) outside of Saint John scream about their contributions when the benefits they enjoy often far outweigh the benefits inside the city.

The City of Saint John is required by provincial directive to pass the hotel levy we collect from tourism onto Envision, while Fredericton and Moncton are not required by the province to do the same.

When you include the hotel levy, the contribution from Saint John in 2023 to Envision this year will be $3,093,000 and all other communities combined will contribute $654,000, despite Saint Johners having half of the average household income in our city as our neighbours have in theirs.

Uncertainty around the Regional Service Commission (RSCs — ours is the Fundy Regional Service Commission) changes could make this agreement even more unfair for Saint John residents. The theme of broken promises, unfairness, and inequity from Fredericton continues, with our local MLA's signatures on the broken promises.

These conversations have been going on for many years, where the same talking points have been used to justify inaction and the denial of the dependency suburban communities have on the city. While we remain stuck, the entire region falls behind.

Changes to address the broader issue of meaningful regional cost-sharing will have to be made. Sadly, until that happens, we’ll continue to be distracted and perpetuate a false narrative that we’re all “always moving forward.” We’re not, and we won’t be on this path.

Can this mistake be fixed?

I had high hopes for this agency and the commitments made by many leaders who were and still are involved today. Can it be salvaged? Likely, but it will take a pledge to dust off the prospectus, make whatever leadership changes are necessary, and accept a level of accountability that has been absent in our region for decades.

What’s at stake? It depends on who’s reading this commentary. Some will dismiss my opinions as those of a disgruntled former mayor, but I’d ask you to reflect on one thing; what do I have to gain from speaking up? I’m not lobbying for a job; I’m no longer the Mayor — in fact, my life would be easier if I just pretended everything was going well and that my past leadership set us up for a bright future.

But I can’t, and I won’t.

There’s too much at stake. The future of our region depends on it, commitments were made and have not been met, and I have personal integrity on the line, having supported a decision that has so far not delivered what it should have by now.

You get to choose how you respond, and I hope you don’t choose silence. Spending millions of dollars of taxpayer’s money comes with responsibilities. Responsibilities to deliver results, transparently conduct business, act with urgency, measure progress, hold each other accountable, and position our region as an economic, cultural, social, and environmental powerhouse.

Unless we course correct, speak the truth, and acknowledge our challenges, we will achieve more of the same with an expensive marketing campaign.

Choose wisely.

Don

Have you ever visited somewhere so unique, beautiful, and peaceful that you told yourself, "I could move here forever?" Banff is one of those places for me.

They were founded in 1887 as Canada's first National Park and the world's third national park. It was initially named the Rocky Mountain Park and was later renamed the Banff National Park.

There's a feeling in this special place, the air is crisp, and everywhere you look, you're inspired. Raw beauty was protected by forward-thinking leaders in the late 1800s and visited by millions of visitors worldwide annually.

We arrived on October 12th after a nice visit with family in Calgary and planned a ten-day visit. This was the only phase of our trip that I was worried about; it was getting late in the year, it had already snowed, and between Banff and Vancouver was a mountain summit and the famous Highway Thru Hell (Coquihalla.)

Our time in Banff was filled with outdoor activities, hiking, visiting Lake Louise, Canmore, Peyto Lake and some photography missions at sunrise, sunset and in the pitch dark. Did I mention that there are bears in Banff? Did you know there was such a thing as bear bells and spray? We had them both and walked down the trails sounding like two elves preparing to load Santa's sled (thankfully, we didn't have to use our spray.)

My passion for photography was rekindled when we reached the mountains. I was studying some online resources and picked up a few pieces of used gear along the way. It felt so important to me that we document the beauty and experiences. Attempting to put the lesson to use was a lot of fun, and it became clear how difficult it could be at the same time. Here are a few of my favorites.

There's a lake outside Banff toward the highway, and I set my alarm early for a few attempts at sunrise. It was freezing, and I still felt the pain in my fingers as I tried to set up my pictures. It's dark, of course, and there's an uneasiness for me as I drive down dark roads, climb over hills and do my best not to fall into the icy water. These missions can be hit or miss. If you become impatient, you can miss the shot, sit through an entire sunrise, and have mediocre results. It is the quest to capture something beautiful that I enjoy most. Thousands of pictures and that particular shot brings a smile to your face.

The following picture is from Two Jacks lake, a ten-minute drive from our campground. We visited both at sunrise and sunset. The first picture was taken late at night, and it was pitch dark when we arrived. We had been reading about bear bells, and I was stepping out in the middle of an open parking lot. Was I scared? Yup. Was It worth it? You bet. I had never taken pictures before at night and had a new camera that I was trying to figure out. This was my attempt to put my lessons to practice.

This was such a beautiful location that I decided that an early morning visit for sunrise would be worth the cold trek out over the next few days. While the sunrise was overwhelming, I decided to wait and see what might happen. This is the picture I shot.

In life, we never know when something beautiful, life-changing and coincidental will happen. There was one experience that we had been talking about since we arrived in Banff that we had not yet had, and that was to see Elk. I had arranged to meet someone in Canmore to buy a piece of camera gear, and Patti and I played our would you rather game. Do you want to go back on the highway or take the old road through Canmore? Patti chooses the old route.

As we made our way toward the town and arrived at the bow river, Patti looked to her right, and the river was full of Elk. Chatting with locals as we took in this magical experience, they mentioned that something had likely spooked them down from the mountains and that there were probably three different herds. I would guess that there were upwards of one hundred in total.

Staying in the national park in our RV was fantastic. Waking up in the morning and looking out at the mountains melts all your worries away. We knew life all around continued to be complicated with Covid, uncertainty, and many challenges. While we are not immune to struggle and challenge, each kilometre, we travelled and experienced presented us with new opportunities to reflect on what matters most.

Gus was a massive part of our trip, a fantastic traveller and a constant companion. If he were with us, life would be good.

By the time we left Banff toward Vancouver, we had been on the road for a month, had already had so many fantastic experiences, and we're excited for what lay ahead. Most importantly, we were decompressing and having critical conversations about what we wanted, what brings us joy, what scares us, and what we hoped for in the future.

Here's what the mountains tough me.

1. Never underestimate the positive impact of a beautiful place on your mind, body and soul.
2. Hobbies can bring you great joy.
3. There's a lot more to life than work.
4. Be curious and adventurous.
5. Bear bells sound very funny when you walk, and bear spray is a thing.
6. Once you get exposed to beautiful places and experiences, you want to have more of them.
7. We're in control of our lives, the choices we make, and how we react to things that happen to us outside our control.

Whatever you dream about or what your unique adventure looks like for you, go for it.

Recently I became aware of Ben Nemtin from the show buried life and ordered his journal so that I could formalize my bucket list. I think the question he asks is essential, and I encourage you to start your bucket list too.

"What do you want to do before you die?"

Thank you for coming along with us on our adventures.

Don, Patti, Gus and now Kona.

Do you believe in fate, or would you call it luck or perhaps chance? I'm not sure which of these elements of life has contributed to today's events, by I'm grateful it happened.

Let me back up for a minute and explain how we got here and this meeting, by chance, took place.

On Thursday, Patti and I decided to make a last-minute trip to Grand Manan, our favorite place in the bay. The search began for a place to stay, and as luck has it, we got into a spot we've rented before (special thanks to Debbie at Sea Cliff cottages for always looking after us.)

We started this morning with a quick feeding of the pups, jumped into the truck and headed toward the beach for some sea glassing for Patti. I kept going, grabbed some Java Moose at a local coffee shop and set a course for the beach at Seal Cove. At low tide, this is a spectacular place to walk, enjoy the breathtaking view and for the pups to swim.

After our swim, I headed back toward our rental cottage to drop off the pups, let them rest and go for a drive back to pick Patti up. I arrived back, took them inside and put Kona in his crate for a nap.

When I went to leave the small lane named Poodle Alley, I looked to the left and noticed a couple with a Golden Puppy, so of course, I needed to say hello.

Me: Hello, I said, how old is your pup?

New Friends: He's eight months old, they said.

Me: Oh wow, we have an eight-year-old and an eight-month-old.

Me: Your pup looks bigger than our guy; I think our pup will be a bit smaller because his mom was small.

Me: Where did you get your pup?

New Friends: We're from Nova Scotia and got him outside Truro.

Me: You're kidding, we got all of our Goldens in that area, and Kona came from Kimberley.

New Friends: How my gosh, is Mocha his mother?

Me: Yes.

New Friends: I think they are brothers.

Me: Let me run back inside and get Kona; they have to meet.

What are the chances? On a random trip to Grand Manan, staying in our favorite cottage, at a random time of day, I meet another couple out for a walk with their Golden pup, whom they are visiting from Nova Scotia. When I pulled out of the driveway, I looked to my right and, at that moment, had a choice; I could have chosen to say hello or just keep driving. I said hello, of course.

At that moment, the stars aligned, and a reunion by chance took place. They did their usual greeting of some inappropriate (for humans) sniffing and lots of tail wagging. Kona strangely seemed to be calmer this time.

Seeing them together and Kona meeting Angus was exceptional. We talked about it and wondered if they remembered each other or if there was a unique smell. I wish we had met with more time to spare, but that was not the case.

We snapped a few picks and now have made a new connection. It was lovely to meet Heather, Bill, and, of course, Angus.

I love it when these meetings, by chance, take place, and it puts a genuine smile on my face.

I hope they get to meet again. Now that I think about it, a Golden Retriever litter reunion would be fun.

Say hello to each other, smile, and be curious; you never know what connections we have.

Don, Gus, Kona and our new friends from Nova Scotia.

Let’s back up. Patti and I have always enjoyed adventures, being spontaneous and continuously shaping meaning in our lives. We care deeply about others, live our values and are learning to accept that our passion is difficult to ignore.

When Covid gripped us all and changed our lives, Patti and I spent much time reflecting on our lives and what we like. I was in my fourth year as Mayor, and it was the realization that achieving positive change, reshaping culture, and navigating politics seemed impossible. I was exhausted.

We launched our North American tour on this day one year ago, and our first lesson presented itself. We had planned on leaving mid-morning, and a series of delays saw us roll out of Saint John at 3:30 pm. It was an important milestone for me to get on the road and start the clock.

Mission accomplished, we were on the road.

I studied youtube channels extensively, and we made several local trips to gain vital experience. We felt ready and, I think, had a game plan in terms of rolling with the challenges to our plans.

One of my most important reflections was how grateful we were for the freedom to take this trip and have many beautiful experiences.

2 countries, 147 cities, and 791 places, and we travelled 29,705 kilometres, which is 74% of the distance around the world. Which means Gus the super dog has to be one of the most travelled Saint John-based pups, right?

Reflecting on the freedom of travelling with loose timelines, stopping when you want, and the surprise of what comes around the next turn was inspiring and replenishing.

Each hour we drove down the road or sat and enjoyed our time off the road, I could feel my heart rate slowing, my mind clearing and my worries melting away.

We appreciate receiving so many comments, notes of encouragement and questions. We’re glad you enjoyed travelling with us and provided many excellent suggestions for us to check out.

If you want to test your relationship, lock yourself in a truck and RV together 24/7, and you’ll have your answer. I’m happy to report that we survived. It is a blessing to be married to someone who loves you, accepts you, believes in you, and supports your happiness. Thank you, Patti.

We saw beautiful places but also had very moving experiences. The great lakes, northern Ontario, have some RV trouble and had that happen in my dad’s birthplace. Driving slow on the pacific coast highway through Washington, Oregon, and California.

Getting up early in the morning to chase a sunrise in Sedona, Arizona and standing in tears as you realize how blessed and alive I felt. Seeing the Grand Canyon and learning that just because someone else enjoyed it doesn’t mean you have to enjoy it.

Meeting locals in New Orleans and witnessing the gaps in our society that, seventeen years later, the devastation of hurricane Katrina has still not been addressed.

Visiting Montgomery, Alabama and walking on the same streets as the civil rights champions and realizing the depth and devastation of the four-hundred-year journeys of black Americans (stolen from their homeland.) Realizing that we are privileged, the biggest insult would be not to use our privilege to help others.

Travelling through the South and North Carolina and reflecting on how nice and how much in common we have with our American friends. Yes, of course, there are problems, but if we let the wicked consume all of our time, we’ll miss the caring and empathetic right in front of us.

As the truck travelled toward the north, I noticed something in my mind and body. I was excited to come home and anxious about what it meant. It was recognition that this phase was over and resimulation to the city. We needed to find a place to live, get Patti moved into her new office, and adjust to life with less freedom.

There are so many other adventures, observations and experiences to share. I often thought that a gathering, some storytelling and a Q & A might be fun. Let me know in the comments if you would be interested.

Today was a day of great reflection. I’m most grateful for the time to decompress and reflect on what matters most to our family and me. We’re blessed and have challenges like any other couple or family, and we think about living a life without regret. Something that requires continuous work.

I know that life is fragile; it should be lived, and each day should be filled with passion, fulfilment and contentment. I also understand that the choices we make and our thoughts are potent. Are we looking for those aspects in our life, or do we already have them if we simply choose to change our focus?

Stay tuned for our next phase; however you describe your next big adventure, I would suggest one thing. Go for it.

Advocating for your community, speaking up and seeking solutions to our challenges, and wanting our generational social issues to be addressed should not result in being singled out, targeted, and hammered by unlimited resources.

There are two sets of conversations that happen in our region. There are the private conversations where people quickly agree on the challenges and share frustrations, and there’s the public dialogue where people fear speaking up or pushing back for genuine fear of repercussions.

Balance and action.

That’s what the conversation is about when it comes to the question, ‘does the city receive its fair share of property tax?’ — most of us welcome Industry in Saint John. We know the good-paying jobs, community contributions, and Industry’s overall economic impact, but we cannot ignore that it comes at a cost.

Taxation is very complex, and, as you know, many forms of tax are paid by citizens, businesses, and industries. Over the last five years, we’ve seen a tug of war as the City of Saint John has lobbied for meaningful change to a broken 60-year-old tax system. While some changes have been achieved, they neither go far enough nor are they coming quickly enough.

Measure What Matters.

We also know that measuring the prosperity of a community with a singular focus on GDP has made a few vastly more wealthy. At the same time, the average citizen struggles to pay their rent, tax bill, water bill, put gasoline in their car, and navigate the growing cost crisis (inflation).

Many communities worldwide have adopted a broader focus on economic, social and cultural indicators to measure citizens’ overall well-being and quality of life.

Saint John has long played a role as host of the highest concentration of industrial activity east of Montreal, which benefits the greater Saint John region and the Province significantly. This comes with costs, impacts on quality of life, and, until recently, stagnated population growth and the Saint John tax base.

One-sided Benefits.

The ongoing expansion of the Port, while fantastic for our regional and provincial economy, will mean more trains, trucks, and activity in neighbourhoods where families live, children play, and small businesses operate. These benefits are one-sided if the citizens do not feel meaningful benefits in the services they receive, reduced property tax bills, and enhanced quality of life.

Simply put, industrial activity and citizens need to be able to coexist, and benefits need to be seen by all. Would you agree?

I’m also aware of the narrative about management and council in the City. While it’s true there are challenges, the last five years have seen

• best in class financial policies created,
• debt cut in half,
• reserves established,
• restructuring completed, and
• increased growth of the population and tax base.

If we’re going to single out the challenges, we must also acknowledge the contributing factors.

Single Income City

The City of Saint John has one primary source of revenue, and that’s municipal property tax. Not only does the Province of NB remove approximately $30 million per year in property tax from our City, but it also gets sales tax, corporate tax, income tax and many other sources of revenue. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities reports that for every 1 dollar in tax, municipalities receive 8 cents, while the Federal and Provincial governments receive 92 cents.

I’m not against capitalism, but governments should play the role of referee. That role needs to be reestablished to restore fairness, trust, and confidence that our governments understand their roles and demonstrate openness, transparency and the necessary leadership. Not one-sided, unbalanced and disproportionate subsidizing any group at the expense of taxpayer’s well-being.

I’ve been in political backrooms, and frankly, it confirmed for me that

• some have far too much influence, and
• many solutions perpetuate a status quo that threatens the sustainability of our City and Province and the well-being of our community.

Since 2016 when I became Mayor of this great City, we have lobbied for a more fair, open and transparent tax system. It’s 2022, and that’s not been achieved. Despite commitments from the Province to address the lack of balance in the system and recognize the financial responsibilities and disadvantages as a host community, what has been done continues to prioritize big business and centralized power in the Province.

Throughout our efforts to achieve meaningful change from our local MLAs and the Premier, and despite confirmation of $20 million in annual lost revenue, their actions have fallen far short of their commitments.

Saint John doesn’t receive fair tax revenue from Industry.

I understand that the position of industry players is that they pay more than their share, but there is evidence that this is not the case. I also know that the City of Saint John doesn’t have the resources or wouldn’t spend taxpayer’s money to hire lobbyists, communication teams, and consistently commission studies.

In 2017 the City of Saint John commissioned an analysis of taxation, commonly referred to as the Kitchen and Slack report. On both sides of the debate, parties have pulled out quotes to support their arguments. Taxation is complex, and the challenges and opportunities in the report need to be addressed comprehensively. Premier Higgs and Saint John MLAs promised comprehensive reforms, and despite repeated requests for clarity, none was provided.

Please read the report. There are so many questions that deserve to be answered.

1. Does it make sense that the Imperial/ Suncor refinery in Strathcona county, Alberta pays 10 times the municipal tax that the Irving oil refinery pays to Saint john?
2. Does it make sense that the Residential tax class pays 31% more than Industry? (2019)
3. Do the assessments for industrial sites make sense, and are they fair?
4. Does the City receive a fair share of the property taxes paid from industrial sites?
5. Do industrial sites pay comparable property taxes, are assessments similar and are comparisons relevant across the country?
6. Does it make sense that a Tim Hortons would pay more tax than a rail yard?
7. Does it make sense that the Regional Hospital would have a higher assessment than the combined assessments of 9 (nine) major industrial sites (2019)?
8. Does it make sense that between 2013 and 2019, combined industrial assessment went DOWN by 4%?
9. Does it make sense that similar residential properties in the City would have a property assessment 28% lower than suburban areas outside the City?
10. Does it make sense for city residents to shoulder the burden and risk associated with Industry without a proportionate share of the benefits?
11. Does it make sense that in 2019, of the $128 million collected in property tax, only approximately $12 million came from heavy Industry?
12. Does it make sense that the citizens of Saint John should be asked to accept increased industrial activity where the region and the Province see more significant benefits than the local citizens?
13. Does it make sense that the provincial and our local MLAs continue to ignore our calls for meaningful recognition of the contributions we make as a community?
14. Does it make sense that since 2008 approximately $275 million has been taken out of the City and added to Provincial coffers?
15. Does it make sense that the Provincial government refused to transfer their share of heavy industrial tax to the City, approximately 9 million dollars per year, that would have resulted in the same tax bill for Industry? It would have been the first phase of honest and fair tax reform.

Pro Balance.

I’m pro-business that is balanced with our community’s needs. I recognize the economic contribution of heavy Industry to not only the City but the Province regarding employment, investment and community outreach.

Saint John is unique, with the heaviest concentration of industry east of Montreal, and it’s crucial to restore equity in the tax system and assessments that people trust and have confidence in. Saint John does not receive an equitable tax revenue distribution from heavy Industry.

There has never been a more important time to prioritize economic, social, and cultural outcomes, resulting in a city that retains and attracts people to live, work and play here.

What we need most is for our Premier and local MLAs to help us find balance, implement meaningful solutions and play their role as referees between capitalism and the prosperity of the citizens they serve.

I’m a glass-half-full realist. I’m an optimist that believes in opportunities in our City and region. I also know how critical it is for leaders to address the challenges we face openly and transparently, focusing on driving outcomes. If a community is forced to fight for openness, transparency, accountability, and equity, the leaders we count on are not fulfilling their duties.

Tax fairness with heavy industry, balance, and action. That’s what the conversation is about. Most importantly, it’s about measuring beyond the economy and placing value on the well-being of the entire community.

Don Darling
Informed Citizen, Saint John, NB

Good evening Council,

I'm writing tonight to ask for your urgent action on Bill 117, An Act Respecting Heavy Industry Property.

The city has been lobbying The Province of NB for comprehensive tax reform since the work began in 2016. Premier Higgs and all local MLAs made verbal and written commitments for comprehensive tax reform. The city of Saint John plays a vital role in the Province and has been disadvantaged for years.

The facts are well known, and we must redefine a mutually beneficial relationship to include urgency, openness, proactive and transparent engagement, a focus on outcomes and accountability for all involved. That is, in my opinion, not the case today.

Urgent intervention is required, and an appeal to the local Ministers, the Premier and the Minister of finance. The third reading is scheduled for Wednesday of this week.

Our challenges were well known and acknowledged, and commitments were made to address regional disparity and the lack of fairness in the current tax system regarding heavy industrial taxation.

Bill 117 falls far short and does little to address the lack of fairness in the relationship with heavy industry and the commitments made to Saint John.

While I appreciate the relationship is complex and must be nurtured, this must not come at the cost of what's in the best interest of citizens and sustainability. I was shocked to see the city's response to the legislation last week and expected a more vocal representation of the legislative gaps and the proposed solution.

During the election campaign of 2018, when Premier Higgs presented to the council, he said the following "Providing more autonomy for municipalities to control their revenue stream, taxation levels that are fair and equitable across the board with other municipalities and that includes industry. If we're not getting a fair tax dollar from industry and it's different than other provinces, then we need to deal with that. We want to encourage businesses to invest, but having fair taxes similar to other provinces, won't deter investment at all."

In September 2019, the CSJ presented to a committee of the Legislature and asked a series of questions related to taxation fairness and the lack of transparency on the treatment of Heavy Industry taxation. "Does this make sense?" The lack of equity and fairness was evident, and these questions remain unanswered.

Today I took the time to watch the first and second reading of the legislation in the Legislature and the whole discussion in committee. The total number of sites impacted across the Province is 100. With current tax rates and assessments, the entire new revenue would be $3.5 million, estimated at $1 to 1.5 million for SJ. This falls far short of the commitments made and is not fair. Of course, the CSJ is accustomed to changes to assessments with little to no consultation. With the legislation coupling the multiplier to the residential tax rate, these same industrial sites will also receive a discount as the city implements its long-term financial plan.

While members of the opposition brought forward the historical concerns of the CSJ, the Minister responded at one point that he had received a note from the Mayor thanking him for the legislation and signalling agreement. Why would council and staff accept pennies on the dollar and not hold our Premier and MLAs accountable for their commitments?

This is not what the city asked for, what was committed and needs to be addressed. At best, this is a political attempt to check a task off a list.

I'm asking the council to signal its lack of support now that full details are known. I remain supportive of industry, but not without balance. The long-standing argument of trickle-down economics is flawed and incomplete.

Thank you

Don Darling

I’ve shared with you in the past my love story. Patti and I met in a club in late August, were engaged in December and married 16 months later when I was twenty-two years old. If I didn’t, that’s how this all began, and here we are.

10,880 days

261,120 hours

15,667,200 minutes

That’s how long we’ve been married. How is it possible that you can meet someone so beautiful inside and out, someone so patient, supportive, creative, caring, loving, generous, compassionate, and in a single moment, know that they are your perfect match? I’m not sure I know the answer, but I most certainly believe there was a plan as a person of faith.

We’re blessed with three exceptional adult children who have made all my dreams come true. They are strong, values-driven, kind and charting their courses. The most challenging lesson for me, and I’m coming to grips with, is not to apply my trauma lessons to their lives. To be there for them, but not smother them. To mentor, support, believe in them, but not be in their way. I am so proud of our kids, love them more than they can know and want nothing out happiness, fulfillment, health and joy in their lives.

Patti and I have been through our trials and tribulations. There have been some dark times as I worked through my trauma and still am today. Thank you, Patti, for sticking with me; I am blessed and love you more than words can describe.

Today I finished “What happened to you,” a Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey book. It was a thought-provoking and challenging book (at times) for me to read. When I talk about processing childhood trauma, that is not a condemnation of my parents. They loved me very much and did their absolute best. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t some work for me. What I know is that keeping it buried is a recipe for disaster. In this 298 page book, the last few pages were most profound, as Oprah described her final moments with her mother. I was taken back to my father's bedside in August of 2014, to a moment where I mustered up the courage to have the most heartfelt conversion we would ever have, not knowing at the time that he would be in less than 24 hours be gone.

Here are a couple of passages from the book's closing pages that I wanted to share and have you reflect on.

“Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different. But we cannot move forward if we’re still holding on to the pain of the past. All of us who have been broken and scarred by trauma have the chance to turn those experiences into what Dr. Perry and I have been talking about: post-traumatic wisdom.”

“Forgive yourself, forgive them. Step out of your history and into the path of your future.”

“Because what I know for sure is that everything happening that has happened to you was also happening for you. And all that time, in all of those moments, you were building strength.”

“What happened to you can be your strength.”

Why am I turning this public journal entry about love into a discussion on trauma? Because Patti is my rock, she has seen me at my best and has held me as I sobbed in the most challenging and dark times of my life.

As some of you know, Patti and I are on a North American tour in an RV. I’ve dubbed it our “Chasing Purpose” tour. We’ve been together 24/7 for three months and living in a 360 sq/ft rolling tiny home. It’s been a fantastic experience and absolute validation of our relationship. While I don’t take it for granted, we are Love, connection, respect, admiration, and finish each other’s thoughts; we respect our differences, learn from each other, and inspire each other. If you want to test a relationship, go on a trip like this.

Besides Patti and Gus, what I’m most grateful for about this trip is the time to reflect, heal and rest. I’m working through some old tape, dreaming about an updated definition of fulfillment, contentment, passion and happiness. I’ve learned to slow, appreciate the sights, smells, sounds and simplest things. We’ve witnessed the rugged beauty of great lakes, mountains, oceans, giant forests and met some charming people.

Most importantly, I’m grateful. That despite the gaps and the should of, could of, and all those other human thoughts, we’ve lived exciting, love-filled adventurous lives so far. My best friend is my wife, our values match, and we both want to make a difference in this world. That courageously, we choose to live life now instead of waiting for some other day.

I’m excited about the future. One step at a time, walking hand in hand, appreciating that small things matter, kindness is contagious, happiness is not a foolish goal, authenticity and vulnerability are strengths, and our love is so deep that a simple glimpse at each other reconfirms more than words can capture.

I love you, Patti.