Back then, committees were made up of “folks in the community,” says Mesheau. “They were the folks who kind of reached out, and were the guiding force in regards to what we should be looking at, what the community is saying.”

“And I think we’ve gotten to that point now where we need that engagement. We need more public engagement,” says Mesheau.

Mesheau says there are mechanisms now in place for citizens to voice concerns, but he thinks improvements can be made. “And that’s what I’m hoping to achieve here, is giving more opportunity for people to get involved,” he says.

Currently the town’s by-laws allow for council to, “create, enlarge, reduce or abolish other committees, sub-committees or special committees.” When it establishes a committee, council outlines the “purpose, jurisdiction, duties and tenure” of the committee, including, “the composition of its membership.” One or two members of council may be appointed to the committee, but they are not required.

Committees are then responsible for reporting back regularly to council at a public meeting, but no mention is made in the by-law about whether committee meetings themselves are required to be open to the public.

There are a handful of committees currently advising on things like the Arts Wall, the Sports Hall of Fame, and the Waterfowl Park.

Mesheau describes a number of different subject areas where he envisions committees at work. “You look at the services you provide, and you say, should we have more public engagement in regards to that service? So recreation programs, parks… Yes, we need to be engaged because we need to understand what the needs of the community are,” says Mesheau. “Policing is another thing, and then you add to it from there.”

Mesheau also mentions the possibility of reviving the previously existing age-friendly committee, as well as the need for an accessibility committee.

“We have a very diverse community,” says Mesheau. “How do we make that work? How do we get people talking? And how do we get people understanding each other?”

Mesheau also mentions economic development as an area of focus. “Instead of having to worry about applying for grants to ensure that we have a climate change coordinator,” says Mesheau, “let’s focus on economic growth to grow our tax base, population growth to grow our tax base, so that we can afford to have that type of position on a regular basis and not rely on a grant in order to make it happen.”

Mesheau sees committees as part of a system that helps inform council, and he says one of the jobs of a mayor to ensure that council is informed. “Whether they want it or need it all, that they have all the information that’s available in order to make a good decision,” says Mesheau. “And I think as a mayor, you have to be looking to staff to be providing council with options. Not just an option, but options.”

“Then we can walk away and say, you know, something? Council is informed. Council has options. Council is getting that feedback from an engaged community. And hopefully we’re making progress in advancing where Sackville needs to be in the future.”