Premier Tim Houston is framed by a ring light as he answers questions from reporters on Jan. 17, 2023. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentPremier should stay out of municipal politicsTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentStrong mayor powers? Provincial Bill 24? Why?Article contentArticle contentDo our leaders have their clothes on?Article contentI hope the premier will realize he does not need to be involved with Halifax, or other municipalities, regarding the mayor’s and councillors’ roles and responsibilities. He has a lot on his plate to fulfill his own role.Article contentRegarding how city staff reports, it is best if they report to the council as a whole and not directly to the mayor. Staff, and especially the chief administrative officer (CAO), are hired for their skills and experience, tasked with doing their work and giving their best professional opinions and recommendations to council and the mayor.Article contentArticle contentI like that the CAO reports to council as a whole and staff reports to the CAO. The CAO should continue to report to the council and not directly to the mayor. This helps, in theory, to keep staff directed to do work outside of the uninformed knee-jerk reactions and political biases.Article contentAnd, unlike provincial, non-unionized management employees, HRM management can’t be fired without cause. It must be difficult now to be a provincial public servant. Since last spring’s legislation was passed, no matter what the rationale, a provincial management employee would need courage to provide information or propose any ideas, policy or disagreement contrary to the premier’s.Article contentAs for the mayor, he is new to his job and to municipal government. Perhaps he could spend some time learning from councillors’ past experiences and try a more collaborative approach with staff, and his councillors, in doing his job.Article contentArticle contentNatalie Harvey, HalifaxArticle contentArticle contentPoilievre buzz interrupts quiet summerArticle contentWe were having a wonderful quiet summer and, all of a sudden, heard that blood-sucking buzz of that summer pest, Pierre Poilievre.Article contentIt’s simply amazing that Poilievre refused to do any interview with the CBC for at least three years but now finds the time to use the CBC and anyone who will take the time to listen to his excuses for his poor performance during the federal election.Article contentIt was incredible to hear him express his concern on the approach of Prime Minister Carney and his negotiating team towards our dealings with the ever-changing U.S. trade requirements. Poor PP is still delusional, to talk about how to negotiate on an international level with his vast experience compared to Prime Minister Carney.Article contentThe voters of Carleton sent Poilievre a very real message and one to the rest of Canada and especially one Alberta needs to heed: he is all hot air, sound bites with pompous entitled behaviour and without any endearing attributes.
Voice of the People: Nova Scotia premier should stay out of municipal politics
