If you invite him, he will come – or at least send a representative.
That message came loudly and clearly after suggestions from residents that Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever is not seen at community events.
At the Nov. 10 Puslinch community forum, Sandra Soloman said, “The first year in any job is tough, as you are learning the ropes and discovering how much you think you know about what you are doing … There are always little things that need to be done.”
One thing Soloman has heard, “is that whenever there is a community event, the mayor doesn’t always show up.”
She said, “It’s tough to try and do everything, but I think it’s really important for the community to see they have the support of the mayor and the council when they put on events. It tells the people attending, that it is an important event. The mayor is here – it must be important.”
Further, Soloman said, “It also shows the mayor is interested in the community.”
She asked that Lever try to attend as many community events as possible.
She added it would be nice to all of council attend events.
Other residents questioned which community events Soloman was referring to.
She cited the Nov. 9 silent auction held the previous night in support of preventing domestic violence.
Lever said, “I pride myself on attending a great number of events within the community.”
He added his wife would be surprised to hear those comments. “She’s told me she sometimes comes to council meetings just to see me.”
On Nov. 9, while Lever knew the event was happening, he had hoped to attend.
But he is a member of Wellington County council and one of his duties is to attend its information, heritage and seniors committee meetings. One was held that night and so he was at it.
“There’s been only one event that I was invited to that I could not attend, and councillor [Susan] Fielding was there on my behalf.”
Lever said every other event he’s been invited to, he has attended. “If you let me know, I’ll be happy to come … as long as it doesn’t conflict with something I’ve already committed to.”
Moderator Amanda Levy considered the message clear that if the mayor is invited he will try to attend.
