A Good Man And Good Politician Retires
Stephen Douglas chats with Don Cousens, Mayor of Markham
I’ll admit I’m a bit jaded & somewhat cynical when it comes to Municipal politicians… perhaps a result of a career in journalism where politicians are often the brunt of news reports, scandals or full of empty election promises. But, after my chat with Don Cousens, my faith in good men and good politicians was restored.
On a sunny day this summer, Don and I and the magazine’s publisher, spent an afternoon together in the Mayor’s office. Our illustrious Mayor was relaxed and thoughtful as we spoke about his past, his family, his term as Mayor and his dreams.
What impressed me most was how humble, thoughtful and respectful “Mayor Don” was about his accomplishments, the community and the people around him.
“I hope I come down on the side of what is fair and what is good for people. I think and hope the public saw me as fair-minded. I took on the issues. I tried to really put the public first.”
“If I kept things honourable, and I tried always, then things seemed to work out.”
Many of us know of Don’s accomplishments but there certainly are some highlights. To read his bio check www.doncousens.com.
“I’m enthusiastic about it all. I’m wound up about it and it all excites me.”
Don’s list of accomplishments is long but it’s not something he likes to harp on. His humility is well-known and he’s very comfortable with his many successes.
“It does come from this … there’s a drive that I have that’s pushing for quality in life and for people, human justice…human rights. And this goes to my involvement with World Vision. My thinking is, if there’s a child in the world that goes hungry and needs help, why isn’t there more we can do for them?”
“I say to myself, there’s the dream or the vision, ‘how can we make it happen’. I might get sidetracked but not for long. I won’t let things sit and I work at achieving that dream every day. Every morning I start the day with an optimistic spirit. It’s helpful in everything… my health, my job… knowing on some level I can do it.”
It’s an interesting experience, sitting with an important Mayor of a town of 275,000, and chatting like old friends. Our conversation flowed and for over an hour we talked about the job, the man behind the job and the future.
I asked Don about his decision-making process and success in reaching consensus amongst Council members and the public.
“I have a way of doing business. It’s an honesty and openness that says, ‘I want to hear your point of view, ‘cause I want to consider all the options’. I think being open to people’s thinking allows me to see things more clearly. I don’t have all the answers. I’m only as good as the people around me. Hopefully we build a decision together that’s for the good of as many as possible.”
Don has inspired a lot of people and I asked him what inspires or drives him.
“I’d say a lot of things… I’m a religious person. I don’t ‘wear’ it on my sleeve but I get my strength from of my faith. I’m not one to foist my Christianity on anyone and I completely respect all faiths and my faith gives me a motivation to do things.”
After 12 years, multiple elections, increasing populations, growing business sectors, dealing with governments at all levels, raising a family and meeting thousands of people, Don Cousens will soon leave his office on the fourth floor of the Municipal building, for the last time. He leaves big shoes to fill and will be remembered lovingly by a huge number of people.
What is Don Cousens’ legacy? I suggested people would think of him as “a good man and a good politician”.
“I realized a while ago that my legacy would have far more to do with people than it would in the building of roads and infrastructure. I decided not to be a pot-hole fixer and tried to look for the bigger picture, trusting there were councillors and others to take that on and help me get past those issues. I’ve hoped to stimulate an environment where people feel they can grow and participate.”
Don’s moving on… not moving away. He’ll be busy with other projects and assignments… and I know he’ll also be spending lots of time with his family and grandchild.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
