County Reeve Featured on National Municipal Leadership Podcast

County Reeve Jurgen Preugschas recently joined Chris Brown, host of Cross Border Interviews, for a conversation about local leadership, rural communities, and the issues that matter most to residents.

Cross Border Interviews is a Canadian podcast that explores municipal government through conversations with local leaders from across the country. The show highlights the opportunities, challenges, and innovative ideas shaping communities of all sizes.

During the interview, Reeve Jurgen Preugschas shared insights into what it means to lead a rural municipality, discussing the priorities, people, and initiatives that make our community unique. It was a valuable opportunity to showcase the County on a national platform and contribute to a broader conversation about the future of local government in Canada.

When discussing transparency and accountability, he points to one guiding principle that shapes his approach to public service: "If we can't talk about it, we shouldn't be doing it."

This simple but powerful principle is one that he believes should guide decisions made by municipal government. He explains that councils can sometimes be too quick to hide behind the notion that information cannot be shared with the public.

While acknowledging there are legitimate circumstances where confidentiality is necessary, he stresses that those situations are limited and clearly defined. Examples include legal matters, personnel issues, and ongoing contract negotiations, where privacy or the municipality's interests must be protected.

Outside of those exceptions, however, he believes residents have a right to understand what their local government is doing and why decisions are being made. For him, transparency is not simply about releasing information; it is about fostering open communication, providing context, and ensuring residents feel informed and included in the decision-making process.

This philosophy underpins his commitment to transparency and accountability, reinforcing the belief that trust is earned through honesty, openness, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. Even when decisions are complex or unpopular, he maintains that residents deserve clear explanations and a Council that is prepared to openly discuss the issues affecting their community.

The County is proud to have the Reeve represent our community in this national conversation.