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Strange clothing choice at Council

June 23, 2016   ·   0 Comments

I expect a lot of those in leadership positions. They must maintain a strong moral compass. They must inspire others in a fashion that creates followership. They must act the part. BE the leader. They must also look the part of the leader. They should dress professionally. A sharp dressed leader shows others that they are serious about the cause they are representing. It says they care about their town, province, business, country, or cause.

Why is this relevant? I was surprised by the attire worn by the leader of our town during council this week. While the male members of council all dressed in suit and tie, the women presented themselves in professional business suits. Garisto, Maycock, Wilson, Campbell, Kidd, and Bradley were all dressed in appropriate business attire. The Mayor? He shared his presence on television and in front of a standing room only town hall in a untucked navy blue golf shirt and some sort of casual pants. They may have been jeans. They could have been an older pair of dockers. I can’t say for certain. What I can unequivocally tell you is that it is highly inappropriate to be dressed in such a casual fashion at a town council meeting. Shocking really.

I asked quite a few people “is this a newsworthy story?” I have found that how the Mayor dresses has been a conversation piece for quite some time. Feedback has been that the wardrobe choices are simply too casual for business events. Think of it this way, If a new business was to be considering a monetary investment in Orangeville, they would want to be greeted by a professionally looking and acting town representative. Jeans and a golf shirt simply do not suffice. Myself and approximately two hundred other citizens witnessed the Mayor’s unique fashion tastes first hand on Monday night. Allow me to share with you some thoughts from others that evening:

“In all my years I have never seen a Mayor attend a council meeting in a golf shirt. I quickly asked senior staff who worked in other municipalities if they had (seen this) and it was a first for them as well. I guess we are a council of many firsts.” Deputy Mayor Warren Maycock

“I cannot think of a time male members of council met for a public council meeting without a jacket & tie. I believe there is a summer dress code, but you notice senior management & members of council always dress to show respect for the position they have been elected to while attending an open council meeting.” Councillor Don Kidd

“We do not have a dress code for Council. It is simply tradition that everyone dresses in business attire.” CAO Sonya Pritchard Dufferin County

“There is an unwritten rule that there is a summer dress code which is much more casual than the norm.  As an elected representative I believe politicians need to appear professional at all times including events, social gatherings, meetings, and Council meetings.” Councillor Sylvia Bradley

“I believe that, personally, I need to dress in a manner that I think is respectful of the office I hold and the community I serve, and I always try to reflect that respect in my attire.” Councillor Gail Campbell.

“It is left to the discretion of the elected officials to dress accordingly as they carry out their official duties.” CAO Town of Orangeville, Ed Brennan.

It is true that if you want to get a better job, get out of a traffic ticket, or lead a group of people, the way you physically present yourself will change what other people hear you say. Your dress will determine whether you are listened to or ignored. Are you to be trusted or simply dismissed when sharing ideation. We can argue if this is the way society is or not. At the end of the day, my experiences have proven that presenting oneself in a professional manner only helps. It never hinders a cause.

Male political candidates and leaders will spend the vast majority of their time dressed in business suits and in business casual wear, occasionally wearing a casual golf attire or even jogging shorts if they are participating in a physical exercise. The bulk of a politician’s wardrobe should be devoted to dress shirts, slacks, blazers, and suits – along with matching ties, belts, and shoes. No matter how formal or relaxed the dress code at any particular event, political leaders typically dress as conservatively as possible. Politics is not the place for fashionistas, or conversely beach attire.

There is no doubt. Attire drives perceived credibility. Leaders, especially those in politics should wear the uniform. That is, they should be dressed formally. The rules for men are simple, practically boring. Men should wear a dark business suit and tie. Darker coloured suits can be worn for somber events such as a funeral or during cold weather. Light colored suits are appropriate in warm weather and on festive occasions. The real simple rule of thumb? Politicians, specifically Mayors of towns in Ontario wear business suits to work. Period.

Can someone please politely let Mayor Williams know?

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