Page 6 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE Digital_Neat

CE0'S MESSAGE

Be prepared to

ask the right

questions

Welcome to 2026. Wow, it once I have said this for years now: I am just "The Chamber will create
seemed way off in the future at one like the Chamber movement itself. There
time, but here we are. are issues on which I lean right, and issues the necessary momentum
where I lean left. However, as for a political
After witnessing as many turns of the yearly ideology, I’m squarely in the centre, which to nurture and champion
clock as I have, you would think I’ve seen it I often call ‘the sane centre’. This is likely success by bringing together
all, experienced it all and heard it all. But where most of you are as well. I like
you would be wrong. What I notice now capitalism for the opportunities it can the elements – on all sides
more than ever is that every circumstance create to solve all the other issues we have of an issue – to successfully
or situation becomes a learning experience, in our community. The purpose of making
especially in politics where politicians money is to help more people by creating cultivate all that is good,
believe they are pragmatic but often take jobs and ensuring the social fabric of our and can be good, in our
the path of least resistance. community is as strong as our economic community."
During my time as a local elected official, fabric.
I was never offered a bribe or had another I remind every visiting politician who visits
politician push to make a backroom deal the Chamber office that they can’t solve any 3. Accountability
and had many honorable and trustworthy of the problems they wish to solve if there "Please describe a time during your public
colleagues. We didn’t always agree, but isn’t a business transaction. or professional career when you had to
democracy only works when you have change your position on an issue."
differing opinions around the table. It takes profitability in a business for 4. Long-Term vision
business tax to occur, and everything else in
I held office throughout the 90’s, which society needs those taxes to fund needed "What is the single biggest long-term
wasn’t all that long ago, but long before services and programs. threat facing our (city/province/nation)
social media and now get a kick out of that extends beyond the next election
people who read a post and believe that For sure this year we have one election. cycle, and what immediate action would
to be the truth over a professional media In October we’ll go to the polls to elect you like to see to start addressing?"
outlet. Certainly, even traditional media our municipal leadership for the next four 5. Values and integrity
makes errors, or even can be seen as years. (We could possibly have another "When facing a decision that pits your
partisan, but disregarding their reporting federal election, perhaps this spring, as the position against the clear majority opinion
in favour of a keyboard warrior is probably Liberal government hangs by a thread). of your constituents, how do you reconcile
not the most reliable source. So, this might just please me, a guy who that conflict? What is your personal 'red
You may disagree with your local council has been around for many elections, who line' that you would not cross, even if it
but despite what you may read on social has been pleased sometimes and gravely meant losing an election?"
media don’t believe anyone around the disappointed other times in the outcome, Questions need to be asked, and those
horseshoe is dishonorable; they all serve but here are five questions voters should asking for our vote need to answer them.
with the best interests of the community at be asking every candidate: If you have your own list of questions even
heart. 1. Fiscal responsibility better, just ensure they are the ones that
As I said, democracy only works when there "Considering the constraints of the budget, matter to you.
are people with differing views around the what is one existing program or expenditure
decision-making table who can share their that you would cut or reform to fund your
Greg Durocher
views. That it is when good decisions are own top priority?” President & CEO
made. It doesn’t mean we will all agree with 2. Community engagement Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
those decisions; in fact, we may be very "Beyond standard town halls or office
upset with them, because we all want things hours, what mechanisms would you put in
the way we want them, and generally want place to engage with residents, including
to get our way on everything. Sorry, that marginalized or disengaged groups, to
doesn’t happen in life, let alone politics. make sure their voices get heard?"

6 Winter 2026 www.cambridgechamber.com