Candidates make plenty of promises—but does the position they are seeking actually have the power to deliver them?
A Mayor, councillor and school trustee may appear on the same ballot, but they have very different responsibilities and limits.
MAYOR
Leads—but Does Not Govern Alone
The Mayor chairs Council meetings, provides civic leadership, represents Abbotsford publicly and helps build agreement around the City’s priorities.
However, the Mayor is still one member of Council with one vote. Budgets, bylaws, taxes and development approvals must be decided collectively.
Can the Mayor approve a development or lower taxes alone?
Not alone. Council must decide through a vote.
CITY COUNCILLOR
One Voice at the Decision-Making Table
Abbotsford’s eight councillors debate and vote on budgets, bylaws, development, infrastructure, public safety, parks and municipal services. They also represent residents’ concerns and help establish the City’s priorities.
An individual councillor cannot independently change a bylaw, approve a project or direct City employees.
Can one councillor promise to build a new recreation centre?
Not alone. It requires Council approval, funding and City planning.
SCHOOL TRUSTEE
Governs the System—Not the Classroom
Abbotsford’s seven trustees form the Board of Education. Together, they establish district policies and priorities, approve the budget, oversee strategic planning and select and evaluate the Superintendent.
Trustees do not personally manage schools, supervise teachers or resolve individual classroom matters. An individual trustee has no authority outside decisions made collectively by the Board.
Can one trustee direct a principal or teacher to change a classroom decision?
No. Individual concerns must follow the appropriate school and district process.
BEFORE YOU BELIEVE THE PROMISE…
Ask two questions:
1. Is this actually within the authority of the position?
2. Can the candidate accomplish it alone?
A credible campaign promise begins with an understanding of the office. The strongest candidates will explain not only what they want to accomplish, but how they will work with others to make it happen.
Sources: Province of British Columbia—Mayor and Councillors | Abbotsford School District—Role of the Board | Abbotsford School District—Role of the Trustee
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