In our ongoing effort to spotlight the experiences of women in municipal politics, we reached out to those elected in the 2022 municipal elections in Northern Ontario. We asked these newly elected councillors and trustees to share their insights and reflections on the transition from candidate to council. Here are their candid and firsthand accounts of the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
Judy Kosmerly is a School Board Trustee in Area 3, Wards 5 & 6 for Rainbow District School Board in Greater Sudbury.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
I believed that my 34.5 years of employment with the Provincial Government had given me the knowledge and skills needed to be a school board trustee, plus I was very interested in learning more about the Education sector in general. I believed my role as a trustee would be one of governance.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
My expectations didn't really change—a trustee's role is essentially one of governance and oversight, especially at the board table. What I didn't expect was how much I enjoyed the more social component of the trustee role—visiting schools, meeting students, attending graduation ceremonies and board-wide (and school) special events such as the Challenge Meet, science fairs, heritage fairs, pow wows, Fun Fairs, etc. This is my favourite part of the trustee's role.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a candidate to an elected official?
Understanding the acronyms used by the school board and others in the education sector.
What do you wish people knew about running for office, based on your own experience?
Do your research and know what the role of a trustee is before putting your name in to run as a trustee. I couldn't believe how many people I spoke to don't know what a trustee does, and how many think our role is the same as that of a city councillor or of a politician from a political party. It isn't!
Looking back at your first year in office, what were the most rewarding aspects of serving in your municipal role?
For the term that started in October 2022: being able to attend events, such as graduations and special events, in person rather than virtually.
What valuable lessons have you learned or insights gained that you'd like to share with others considering a similar path in politics?
Be a team player, be open to new ideas, and keep your focus on student success and well-being. Trustees do not have individual authority—they are expected to work together to make decisions that support [the] success and well-being [of] all students.
What do you wish people knew about working as a politician, based on your experience?
Again, understand what the role of a trustee is. The role of a trustee is a very important one— it is critical to know what your role is before you throw your hat into the ring.
Where can people find you?
These profiles are part of our ongoing series featuring women councillors and trustees elected through the ElectNOW initiative. Surveys were sent to all woman councillors and trustees who participated in the 2022 ElectNOW series. While some answers have been edited for clarity and spelling, the responses provided are the candidates' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PoliticsNOW. If you are a woman councillor, mayor, or trustee residing in Northern Ontario and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out our survey.
