Chris Summerville, one of 12 declared candidates for one of the six seats on Steinbach City Council is encouraging voters to think about the role of City Council. “There are many expectations and divergent views held as to what role Council plays in the life of the community. For sure, Council cannot be all things to all people all the time,” Summerville states. Govern-ment is not the first solution to every social problem. Family, church, schools, business, non-profit groups and unions have a responsibility to address social issues. As Mennonite Theologian Ron Sider states, “The question will always be asked, what institution in society and what level of that institution can best solve a particular problem.”
Summerville points out that all the Steinbach candidates support community safety “Inherently each knows that one key role of government is to restrain evil and punish evil-doers.” He believes we need to be reminded that government also has a distinctive role as “God’s servant for your good” according to the Apostle Paul. That is, governments at all levels, including City Council, exist to promote the common good.
“How does City Council do this,” asks Summerville. He gives as an example of how Council each year provides community grants that contribute to the common good by encouraging and enabling other institutions in the community such as family, church, and non-profit social agencies to carry out their responsibilities to care for the economically dependent and disadvantaged.
“But I believe that sometimes social problems are so sweeping that government must play a significant role, as in the case of safe and affordable housing for vulnerable groups,” asserts Summerville. Certainly this can be done in partnership with other levels of government, the private sector and faith groups such as Eden East, as we face increased homelessness in our own city, says Summerville.
“As a Christian, I expect City Council and each Councillor to promote the good and restrain evil.” Certainly this will involve:
• A council that listens to its residents and consults with community developers and business leaders in making critical decisions.
• A council that is open, honest and transparent in its dealings, and provides regular feedback to the community.
• A council that is trustworthy, ethical, responsible and accountable to the community.
• A council that is caring, compassionate, and flexible.
• A council that is fully competent, informed, professional and proactive.
• A council that is visionary, forward-looking.
• A council that is has an ethic of social justice.
• A council that knows, understands, values and respects the cultures, traditions, and rights of its community members and seeks to strengthen and protect these at all times.
