2012 grade: C+
2011 grade: B+
2010 grade: A-
2009 grade: B
Most of the issues council deals with are political issues, and while important, they just reflect the usual back-and-forth of municipal politics. But this past year Halifax council dealt with two issues that are in a separate moral category altogether: dealing with Peter Kelly and handling the Occupy protest. On both counts, council failed miserably.
Jennifer Watts is usually clear-headed on the normal political issues, and brings a thoughtful cadence to council discussions. But like most other councillors, she completely missed the boat on censuring Kelly.
As for Occupy, Watts went and met with the protesters, who share her left-of-centre perspective. Had council had an open, public discussion about Occupy, things might have proceeded much differently, but instead the council discussion happened in secret. Because it was secret, different spins could be put on the eviction—cops say council ordered it, while councillors say they never agreed to the way it unfolded.
Regardless, Watts went along with the secret deliberations, and subsequently realized that was a mistake. Her attempt to apologize for her role in the eviction was ruled out-of-order by Peter Kelly, but it was heartfelt, and brought Watts back to her political home with the social justice movement.
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Welcome to the 2012 City Council Report Card
This article appears in May 10-16, 2012.
Ms. Watts for all the reasons listed above, as well as Council’s lack of leadership during the transit strike, I could not possibly vote for you in October. For that matter, I will not vote for any councillor in the October election who is running for re-election. At this point it is a matter of principal for me. Council, as a whole, has miserably failed Halifax and you are guilty by association. A new broom must sweep clean.
Jennifer Watts is one of the best councillors we have. Too bad this review omits several important elements of her record such as opposing the sale of St Pats Alexandra that were included in other councillor commentary. Unfortunately the 1st paragraph was wasted on general bumpf about the city as a whole.
I recently moved into Jennifer’s district from Linda (useless) Mosher’s, and I can honestly say it’s been a wonderful change. I actually see Jennifer interacting with people. Her wants and needs for the district appear to be in sync with those of the community.