Mississauga’s newly elected Mayor Carolyn Parrish has utilized her strong mayor powers multiple times since taking office, despite campaign promises to use them sparingly. Parrish’s actions have included replacing the city’s chief administrative officer (CAO), Shari Lichterman, with Geoff Wright as the interim CAO, effective immediately.
Key Actions Taken by Mayor Parrish:
- Use of Strong Mayor Powers: Parrish used her provincially granted powers, allowing her to override bylaws and hire or fire department heads without council majority approval, to replace Lichterman on June 25, just a day after being sworn in.
- Multiple Directives: In her first week, Parrish issued several strong mayor directives, including rescinding the delegation of hiring and firing powers to the city manager, appointing an interim city solicitor, creating a deputy mayor position, and making changes to the budget committee.
Impact on City Governance:
- Concerns Raised: The swift and frequent use of these powers has raised concerns among political experts about a potential chilling effect on councilors and staff. Professor Emeritus Myer Siemiatycki from Toronto Metropolitan University warned that this approach could jeopardize good governance by signaling to senior civil service staff that their jobs are at risk if their recommendations do not align with the mayor’s preferences.
- Council Reactions: Some council members, like Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko, acknowledged that Parrish’s approach differs from their own but recognized her right to make these decisions. Ward 11 Coun. Brad Butt, while opposed to the strong mayor powers, noted that some of Parrish’s directives, such as creating a deputy mayor position, were well-received by the council.
Statements and Reactions:
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- Shari Lichterman: Lichterman expressed disappointment at not being given a chance to work with Parrish but wished her successor and the city well.
- Geoff Wright: The new interim CAO assured that the staff’s role of providing independent advice and recommendations to the council remains unchanged.
- Stephen Adler: Senior public affairs director at National Public Relations, Stephen Adler, suggested that Parrish’s decisive actions at the beginning of her term might be strategically wise to establish authority.
Conclusion:
Mayor Carolyn Parrish’s early use of strong mayor powers has sparked a mix of concern and support within Mississauga’s political landscape. As she continues her term, the implications of these actions will unfold, influencing the city’s governance and political dynamics.