Sandy Verschoor: Democracy is messy. It can be tough as there will always be winner and losers

As I approach the end of my term as Lord Mayor, I have much to reflect upon. I haven’t always got it right. I admit that, writes Sandy Verschoor.

Elections are like a performance review. A time for people to assess if their expectations were met by those they voted in and, for those seeking re-election, a time to reflect and decide the opportunities and improvements in the next term.

As I approach the end of my four-year term as Lord Mayor, I have much to reflect upon. I haven’t always got it right. I admit that.

Does anyone remember the “gag order” debates of 2019? My intention was to put a process in place so that motions from elected members could be seen by other members, and debated in the chamber, before appearing unannounced through the media. But I got that wrong. And the media called me on it, rightly so.

One should never try to stop freedom of expression, when done respectfully, and for that I apologise. Our freedoms have been hard won, we must respect and protect them.

That said, there are many decisions I have been proud to shepherd through the chamber that have been absolutely right – such as the declaration that climate change poses a serious risk to the people of Adelaide, and it should be treated as a national emergency.

Along with the introduction of Kaurna language welcomes and the creation of the Adelaide Park Lands Foundation to protect and preserve our city’s iconic green belt.

And the more than $20m we have invested to support our city businesses and aid the city’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor. Picture: Adelaide City Council

One thing Covid-19 has reminded us of is the power of resilience and we learn far more from our mistakes than from our successes. We review, reflect and I personally have learnt a great deal.

Democracy is messy. It can be tough as there will always be winner and losers. And if you’re not able to convince the majority, it can be frustrating. I know. Over the years, not all decisions have gone the way I had hoped, but I remain focused on the big picture, the long game.

And this term, with hundreds of decisions made each year, many of them unanimously, I believe that we, collectively, have been an outstanding “can-do” council.

As the leader and spokeswoman for all council decisions we have, in my opinion, made some crackers.

Decisions that have been fearless, future focused and will deliver outcomes for the city in climate change and culture, for businesses and residents for generations to come – all done during a worldwide pandemic.

More than ever, I am clear in the values that underpin my vision for our beautiful city.

Of course, in true democratic style, not all decisions have been fully embraced. Those, for instance, that don’t like our development at 88 O’Connell St. Of 16 guiding principles, we fulfilled 15, including amenity, parking and sustainability – only height was not a financially achievable outcome from any of our submissions.

The process has been robust, done with integrity, and I for one, can’t wait to bring new life, hundreds of new residents and workers, to that beautiful part of our city. Moreover, we had a responsibility to ensure that the site didn’t remain empty for another 30 years.

And then there’s the matter of transparency and the suggestion that we seem to always do things veiled in secrecy. Not true.

Architect's render of the $250m redevelopment of 88 O'Connell St, North Adelaide. Picture: Commercial & General

We are the most transparent level of government and, as the capital city, we have two reporters attending every council meeting, committee and subcommittee. Even the chief executive’s performance review.

Our annual business plan, budget and all the deliberations thereof are done in public, and in the past three years, in greater detail than in any previous council.

Our finances are more robust for the detail that is offered for all to see, including a long-term financial plan that, under our refreshed executive team, went from a single page to 30 pages, all out for public scrutiny and comment before decision.

I’d like to see any corporation or state or federal government do that.

I remain focused on what I came here to do. My job, our job, as elected members is to negotiate the best outcomes for the city, to the benefit of as many people as possible, and leave the city as a better place than when we got here.

I, for one, think we have delivered a solid and positive scorecard.

We have a responsibility, an obligation to be an accountable level of government. We manage billions of dollars of city assets, and we have a city’s reputation to protect and enrich.

I’m here to run our capital city council while remaining true to my values, even if the occasional democratic stoush grabs the headline.

These are the personal views of Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor