Sue Paterson joined Hanover Council in 2003 and is serving her second term as Mayor. Hanover is her hometown in which she’s lived for over 55 years, attending both its public and high school before beginning her career. For Paterson’s full biography, please follow this link: Hanover - Hanover Council
Paterson says that when she was growing up, her family was not political, but that politics were important, and they often discussed the rules and decisions that politicians made at different government levels. Her father, a World War II veteran, encouraged her to volunteer during local elections and with local community groups, and she became very involved with the Hanover Royal Canadian Legion. So much so that in 1994 she became the first woman and youngest person to be elected its president, representing its 700 members.
From there, she applied to join Hanover’s Planning Advisory Committee which sparked an interest in running for Council.
Paterson counts herself as fortunate that her role model, past Hanover Mayor, Kathi Maskell, has also been a mentor to her. Looking to someone who is “compassionate, diplomatic, and works for the public good [makes] a wonderful mentor” [see audio clip 1 below text].
Paterson believes that there's still an under representation of women in all levels of politics, citing her own Council as an example (she is the only woman of seven members).
“Women make up half the population, so they should be equally represented. Representation is the core basis of democracy. Accessible, affordable and quality childcare is just as important as pay equity.
And without those two, you're not going to see a lot of female representation in politics. The pandemic has brought this to the forefront because if anyone had to stay home to look after the kids, it was women, as they still tend to have lower paying jobs. We need to do better on this.”
She says it’s important that women are represented because they have different perspectives than men and they tend to highlight positive impacts - especially those relating to women's work, finances, and equality under the law, especially for those that need assistance.
When asked how to encourage women to enter politics, she recommends volunteering with organizations to see what it’s like to be part of a team and then applying to local committees where you can learn about processes, policies, procedures. She suggests talking to other women to find out what it is really like to be a member of Council. Paterson also says that it’s important that a person’s whole family is clear on what’s expected of a Councilor and buys into the decision, because they will undoubtedly be involved too. Participating in community events, and communicating with and listening to your friends and neighbours to find out what’s important to them is critical to success. She warns not to underestimate the time it takes to read all the local news, social media, and Council and committee packages to keep up to date on what’s happening and the issues that are going to affect your community [see audio clip 2 below text].
Her goal for being a part of Hanover and Grey County Council has been to serve the community, provide good leadership, plan for the future and make Hanover and Grey County a welcoming community that offers a good lifestyle for everyone.
After the effects of Covid-19, Paterson sites core issues like affordable housing, food security and substance use as ongoing challenges for local government. Even communication about these issues requires follow through. Important issues may be communicated through several different mediums, but people are so busy, that it’s difficult to know how to draw attention to important issues discussed at Council to make sure people are informed.
As for Paterson’s greatest reward in politics, she cites helping people, and says that as long as you respond to people (good or bad) they feel heard, which make things understandable and maybe just a little bit better [see audio clip 3 below text].
Overall, Paterson says that the Mayoral role is challenging, but also hugely rewarding for her.
As for words of wisdom if you are thinking of entering municipal politics, find a positive role model and ask questions, ask yourself what you are passionate about and what skills you have. Volunteer - join a municipal committee and then decide if politics is for you. Last, decide if you want to serve your community to provide good leadership, then plan and build for the future.
Find more in our Pearls and Politics online exhibit.
