The resignation of Chapais Mayor Isabelle Lessard1 gives us the opportunity and responsibility to reflect on the help elected officials need before, during and after dealing with a crisis. Here are some food for thought.
Published at 1:04 am. Updated at 7:00 a.m.
“And how are you, Mr. Mayor?
“A little tired, but my house is dry, I can’t complain,” I replied every time I was asked this question. I have maintained my concentration, the attitude of the boss who is at work and takes care of his people.
I lied like that for weeks during the 2017 floods.
PHOTO MARTIN ROY, LE DROIGHT ARCHIVE
Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, then mayor of Gatineau, speaks with a member of the Canadian Armed Forces in spring 2017.
In truth, I was stressed, almost always tired, often angry or sad, soaked in the suffering of people who were losing their homes, their memories, their life investments.
But I was right to lie. Firstly, because it was an insult to the victims’ suffering to compare it to mine. I had lost nothing and yes, my house was dry. But that’s not the main thing. My words and my face had to say to the victims: “Your city cares about you, the elected officials and staff will not abandon you.” Never. »
To stay strong, I vented with my team in the office, which allowed me to be calm and confident in front of citizens and the media. When the team felt that their support was no longer enough, my wife was called in to help (she doesn’t live in the same city as me, she stayed with me for a few days). She is all-powerful, everything is back in its place.
In a crisis situation, leaders must show empathy, but at the same time inspire trust, reassure and be strong. Big challenge.
The former mayor of Lac-Mégantic, Colette Roy Laroche, carried on her shoulders the suffering of her city, the victim of industrial barbarism. Mayor Régis Labeaume tried to reshape his community after the Quebec mosque attacks. Last summer, during the wildfires, Chibougamau Mayor Manon Cyr and dozens of other elected officials stayed at their posts nonstop to protect their community.
Most elected officials will forever be marked by these experiences.
I invite everyone interested in the difficulties of leadership in crisis situations to listen to a video commissioned by the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ). Stéphan Bureau hosts a discussion between psychologist Rose-Marie Charest and me2.
Now allow me to offer some advice to elected officials of the present and future.
PHOTO PATRICK WOODBURY, LE DROIGHT ARCHIVE
Gatineau floods, May 2017
Tip #1: Know yourself
Now, with your loved ones or community team, ask yourself how you would respond to extreme stress. Talk about what would allow you to do your job without collapsing (type of administrative support, presence of friends, sleep, presence or absence of children, etc.). Don’t be afraid to ask yourself directly whether you would really be able to take on certain roles: for example, it is possible to find another spokesperson (the person in charge of emergency response) or to be accompanied by an elected official who more has experience. If you’re thinking about getting into local politics one day, do this exercise now.
Tip #2: Don’t try to do everything
When I visited places where volunteers were building dikes, citizens sometimes asked me a question that was also intended as a denunciation: “You don’t make sandbags, Mr. Mayor?” » In the end, I answered directly: “When I pack my bags, There will be one more volunteer, but we will no longer have a mayor.” Decisions have to be made. When I’m here, it’s my job to make sure we make the right decisions. Thank you for what you do. »
Tip #3: Take care of consultants too
We talk a lot about mayors in crisis situations, but the reality of city councils is also difficult. For what ? Because of their helplessness. In a crisis situation, the mayor has clear responsibilities and special powers. The advisor only has power when the council is in session (this also applies to the deputies). They must be involved in dealing with the crisis in one way or another. The City of Gatineau has a good guide on the role of elected officials in emergency situations. Read.
Tip #4: Be kind to yourself
I have seen elected officials not wanting to go to bed at night because there was work to be done. They couldn’t sleep because they wondered whether their decisions, their actions, whether their words of the day had been the right ones. Waking up in the morning and feeling ashamed for having slept a little because people are still suffering. Be kind to yourself, do what you can, that’s all people really ask.
One last word. The mayor of Chapais had the courage to speak publicly about her experience. We need to consider this together. To all municipalities: adapt your practices immediately, the next crisis will come and your leaders will need help.