Standing up for what you believe in can be daunting in any context, but in local government, it’s uniquely fraught. For councillors, stepping into public life often means working hard to build trust, listening to all sides, and advocating for solutions that serve the broader community. Yet, as noble as that sounds, it’s not always straightforward.

Unlike mayors or CEOs, councillors are rarely the ultimate decision-makers. Their power lies in collaboration—bringing others to the table, making a case for a shared vision, and hoping their peers see the same value in the proposal. It’s less about being the loudest voice in the room and more about being a strategic negotiator, navigating diverse perspectives to forge a path forward.

But here’s the rub: collaboration relies on shared values, and shared values aren’t guaranteed. Imagine proposing a policy you know would bring significant benefits to the community. Perhaps it’s a plan to secure green spaces, invest in affordable housing, or streamline approvals for local businesses. You’ve done your research, consulted with stakeholders, and presented a clear path forward. Yet, when it comes to the vote, support evaporates.

Why? Because standing up for something—especially something big—requires more than evidence or logic. It requires other people to believe in the same priorities and to have the courage to support them publicly. It requires trust, not just in the idea, but in the leader proposing it.

For those who take this path, disappointment is common. Political life means putting yourself out there repeatedly, knowing you might fail more often than you succeed. It means watching good ideas falter because they weren’t popular enough, or because political dynamics overshadowed the community's needs.

The courage to lead in this environment cannot be understated. It’s not easy to stand in front of a room and argue for the greater good, knowing that others might be unwilling to stand beside you. It’s even harder when those decisions affect the people you see in the supermarket, at school pickups, or in local parks.

So why do it? Because for those who believe in service, the reward of getting it right is worth the struggle. Because when you do find allies who share your vision, the victories—however rare—are transformative. And because even in defeat, standing up for what’s right builds a legacy of integrity and a foundation for future change.

For anyone stepping into public life, the lesson is clear: it’s not about being the ultimate decision-maker. It’s about having the resilience to lead, the humility to collaborate, and the conviction to keep trying—even when the odds are stacked against you.