New Prince George council faces steep learning curve as majority of chamber changes

Frizzell acknowledges the departure of experienced councillors represents a loss, but says the incoming group may be particularly well suited to the period ahead.

“Oh, sure, it’s a huge loss,” Frizzell said. “In a normal year, when people who’ve been incumbents don’t come back, and in particular, we had some really strong people on council.”

However, Frizzell said the experience and backgrounds of those elected could prove valuable as Prince George prepares for potential economic growth.

“For the four years ahead, though, we’re expecting so much development and growth that it turns out we’ve wound up with a remarkable fit for the economic changes that are coming.”

Frizzell said members of the incoming council bring experience and knowledge of municipal government, including academic credentials and experience working at City Hall.

UNBC political science lecturer Jason Morris says the turnover still comes with a significant learning curve.

Morris said incumbency provides elected officials with more than name recognition at election time. It also gives them an understanding of how the machinery of municipal government works.

“The power of incumbency is not just usually leads to a more ability to be reelected, but also that you have this institutional knowledge of how to do the job,” Morris said.

That knowledge includes council protocols and procedures as well as an understanding of the legislation governing municipalities, including B.C.’s Community Charter and Local Government Act.

Morris said new councillors also have to understand how municipal government interacts with provincial and federal legislation.

And unlike many jobs where employees have time to learn as they go, Morris said the consequences of decisions made by elected officials can be significant.

“You know the phrase that you fake it ’til you make it when you get a new job,” he said. “But the stakes are pretty serious when you’re an elected representative, and all of them need to be seriously doing quick graduate degrees in boning up on everything they need to know.”

That could mean taking additional time on some decisions, Morris said, and residents may need to allow the incoming council some room to learn.

“If some decisions need to be postponed so that the right decisions are made, or at least informed decisions are made, then citizens should give some grace and have some patience for those new councillors.”

Fresh faces can also change the relationship between council and civic administration. Morris noted that while new councillors can bring new ideas and perspectives, experienced city managers and staff retain the bureaucratic expertise necessary to operate the municipality.

The learning curve comes as the new council faces what Frizzell expects will be a difficult financial year.

Affordability was a key issue during the election campaign, and Frizzell pointed to several pressures facing the city, including the tax implications of the Northwood closure, the loss of the rural homeowner grant and mounting costs connected with the regional hospital district.

“All of that is going to be tough,” he said. “And we’re going to have to really sharpen the pencils.”

At the same time, Frizzell sees the potential for significant economic activity.

He pointed to January’s Natural Resources Forum and national interest in major projects in the region as potential signs of what could be ahead for Prince George.

“We could be on the verge of a major boom,” Frizzell said.

Before then, however, incoming councillors will have plenty to absorb. Frizzell said issues awaiting the new council include the civic core and a whistleblower policy, putting new members into substantive discussions early in their terms.

He expects the new administration to move quickly as it prepares for both the pressures and opportunities ahead.

“It’s almost going to be like a war room or a situation room getting ready for the months ahead,” Frizzell said. “And I’m going to treat it that way.”

For a council chamber where most of the faces will be new, the challenge will be getting up to speed quickly while making decisions that could help shape Prince George during a period of significant economic and financial change.

by Cheryl Jahn

New Prince George council faces steep learning curve as majority of chamber changes

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