There has been discussion recently suggesting that a council member must remain neutral in all respects—whether in public or during council meetings. I believe it is essential to address this misconception. The idea of neutrality may be appropriate for the judicial system, but it does not belong in elected municipal governance. Besides, imagine a candidate knocking on your door and saying, “I have no opinions, no vision, and no idea what I stand for”—not exactly vote-worthy material.
When we run for office, we are anything but neutral. We talk openly about our passions, our vision for the community, and what we bring to the table in terms of character, beliefs, and moral compass. We do not present ourselves as blank slates; we present ourselves as individuals with a clear sense of direction. Why would anyone vote for someone with no opinions or vision? The very act of campaigning is a demonstration of who we are and what we stand for, allowing the public to make informed choices about whom they want as their representative.
When I ran for council, I had no political experience and no hidden agenda. I was motivated by a simple desire: to make a meaningful difference in our community. I campaigned on a platform of honesty, integrity, transparency, and compassion. I talked about supporting marginalized groups—such as the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and seniors—and pledged to demonstrate courageous leadership by standing firmly behind my beliefs. These values are not just campaign promises; they are the principles I have lived by my entire life.
In council meetings, I keep an open mind and am willing to hear ideas that may run counter to my personal beliefs. However, those ideas must be presented transparently, in good faith, and without hidden agendas. If a proposal does not cause harm, distort facts for convenience, or rely on subterfuge, I will consider it. But I will not support anything that undermines our community’s integrity or well-being.
If I am outvoted and a policy passes, I put it behind me, respect the decision of my fellow council members, and join them in moving it forward. I will never criticize the council decision but will get fully behind it. In my news column, I will never criticize a council decision that has been made in a public council meeting. I respect that decision. If dishonesty is apparent or integrity has been compromised in the actual council, that may be a different matter. I expect council members to adhere to the same ethics and integrity that the community expects. Each of the council members currently on council I have the deepest respect for; they bring a diverse set of skills to the table and are highly ethical and genuinely have the best interests of the community in mind. They also have a great sense of humour—a necessity when you’re navigating pothole debates that can last hours.
I was not elected to remain neutral. I was elected because of my beliefs and because the community trusted me to use those beliefs to guide my decisions. That said, I am only one voice among seven votes on council. Other members may disagree with my stance, and I respect their perspectives. But make no mistake—I will never be neutral when it comes to my core values: truth, integrity, compassion, and transparency.
Neutrality is essential in the judicial system because judges are not elected to represent the public’s views. Their role is to interpret and apply the law impartially. In contrast, elected officials must put themselves before the people and state their opinions, values, and vision. That is how voters decide who they want to lead them.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, many politicians and some organizations seem to have lost sight of this principle. In the quest for re-election, some make promises they cannot keep or become beholden to party lines and external influences and have a hidden agenda. Perhaps it is time to elect leaders based on their character and humanity rather than their affiliations or promises.
Outside of council chambers, I will continue to use my voice to educate the public about municipal governance. I will call out wrongdoing, dishonesty, bullying, discrimination, homophobia, and racism whenever I see it in our community. Leadership is not about staying silent or turning the other cheek to avoid conflict. It is about standing up for what is right.
Ethical leadership is defined by principled actions that uphold integrity, foster collaborative solution based community engagement, and prioritize inclusivity. True leaders demonstrate courage by standing firm even when it is difficult or unpopular. They act with transparency, communicate honestly, and model respect and dedication in everything they do. They set a high moral standard for civic leadership, and that is what I strive to do every day.
Imagine a community governed by a council of neutrality—one bogged down by endless debates over minor issues, unable to envision the future or take decisive action. Is that the kind of community we want? Leadership requires more than neutrality; it demands vision, conviction, and a commitment to positive change.
I remain dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting improvements in our community. My columns in this newspaper will reflect my beliefs and my unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. I will continue to call out dishonesty, duplicity, and inauthenticity and will never be silent in the face of wrongdoing. Together, let us build a community led by courage, integrity, and vision—not neutrality.
Editor's Note: Ken Matheson is an elected councillor for the District of Clearwater, former RCMP, adventure guide and documentary filmmaker.
