The Political Trenches: Local Government At Work

Cross Border Network
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Politics
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work, a new online show dedicated to local governance here in Alberta, across Canada and Around the World. Each week, Co-Hosts Ian McCormack (President of Strategic Steps Inc.) and Christopher Brown (Host of the Cross Border Interviews with Chris Brown) come together to talk about the big news and issues facing municipal governance.

  1. Full Interview: LGANT President Fred Behrens

    Apr 27 ·  Bonus

    Full Interview: LGANT President Fred Behrens

    Welcome to The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  Fred Behrens is the President of the Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories (LGANT), a professional association that brings together senior municipal and community government administrators across the region to support effective local governance, collaboration, and capacity building.  In his role as President, he helps provide strategic leadership and oversight to the organization’s volunteer board, contributing to financial accountability and long-term planning for LGANT’s programs and initiatives.  Alongside his role with LGANT, Behrens serves as a Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) for the Hamlet of Wekweeti in the Northwest Territories.  His work focuses on supporting community administration and strengthening local government operations in northern communities.  Through both positions, he plays an active role in advancing professional public service and improving governance practices across the region.  Fred, welcome to the Show. ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    31 min
  2. 'Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories'

    Apr 20

    'Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories'

    Welcome to another edition of The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  Today on the show, discussing viability in local government, how municipalities deal with funding agreements when provincial leaders change, and three political parties in Vancouver are working together.  Then later in the episode, we heading back north of the 60th Parallel to chat with the President of the Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories, which is coming up next. ----- Chapters:  0:00 - Opening  0:04 - introduction  0:57- Story 1 10:29 - Story 2 16:50 - Story 3 22:32 - Interview with LGANT President  36:28 - Closing Remarks  37:46 - Credits  ----- Stories We Spoke About In This Episode: Story:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/gibbons-town-review-pause-bill-28-9.7165341 Story: https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/it-couldnt-have-got-off-to-a-better-start-says-quebec-city-mayor-of-new-premier/ Story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cope-one-citycity-green-election-agreement-9.7165085 ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    38 min
  3. Full Interview: Plainville Town Manager Michael T. Paulhus

    Apr 13 ·  Bonus

    Full Interview: Plainville Town Manager Michael T. Paulhus

    Welcome to another edition of The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  It's an honour to welcome today's guest to the show.  Michael Paulhus has served as Plainville, Connecticut, Town Manager since August 2022. He brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on fiscal management, economic development, and community engagement. Prior to Plainville, Mr. Paulhus was Town Manager in North Branford, Connecticut, for nearly a decade, where he emphasized financial stability, grant administration, and strengthening community relations. He also served the Town of Windham for thirteen years as Executive Administrator and First Selectman. Today, he continues this work in Plainville, including promoting the town through creative social media outreach. Welcome to the Political Trenches, Michael. ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    48 min
  4. 'The American Town Manager'

    Apr 6

    'The American Town Manager'

    Welcome to another edition of The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  Today on the show, we’re discussing the Alberta Government's new universal Code of Conduct for Municipal Councils, The City of Prince George is looking at an AI facility, and then, when is it appropriate to take a call from the Premier without overstepping your council?  Then later in the episode, we heading South fo the 49th, to Connecticut, to chat with Plainville, CT Town Manager Michael Paulhus ----- Chapters:  00:00 - Opening  00:04 - Introduction 01:19 -Story 1 11:05 - Story 2 15:51 - Story 3 20:42 - Interview 43:43 - Closing  46:18 - Credits ----- Stories We Spoke About In This Episode: Story : https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/universal-code-of-conduct-alberta-municipal-councils-9.7143917 Story: https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/local-news/city-council-looking-to-continue-discussions-over-ai-data-centre-11983174 Story: https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/amherstburg-town-councillor-feels-targeted/ ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    47 min
  5. Full Interview - NWTAC President Kandis Jameson

    Mar 23 ·  Bonus

    Full Interview - NWTAC President Kandis Jameson

    Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work.  When you talk about leadership in the North, you often hear about people who didn’t start out in politics at all—they started in their communities. Kandis Jameson is one of those people. Kandis has long believed that strong communities start with strong institutions—especially education. Over the years, she’s served on both the South Slave Regional Board and the Hay River Board of Education, advocating for literacy, learning, and opportunities for the next generation. That deep connection to community eventually led her to public office. Running on a commitment to building a healthy, growing, and sustainable Hay River, Kandis put her name forward for mayor—and the community responded. Now in her third term as Mayor of Hay River, and second year as President of the Northwest Territory Association of Communities, Kandis Jameson continues to dedicate her time and energy to strengthening the town she calls home. ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    44 min
  6. North of 60

    Mar 16

    North of 60

    Welcome to another edition of The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  Today on the show, we’re discussing a regional chair in Ontario- who is appointed by the province - is in hot water with Municipalities in his region for floating the idea of amalgamation, a town in Manitoba is hacking the province to court, and the Mayor of Vancouver is in the hot seat for an apology he made.  Later in the episode, we are heading North of 60 to chat with the President of the Northwest Territory Association of Communities ------ Stories In Todays Episode Story 1: Niagara has 'too many politicians' but amalgamation up to region's mayors: Premier Doug Ford https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/potential-amalgamation-niagara-region-political-expert-9.7106016 Story 2: Town of Virden sues province, consulting firm over failed water supply: lawsuit https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/article/town-of-virden-sues-province-consulting-firm-over-failed-water-supply-lawsuit/ Story 3: City councillor considers legal advice over Vancouver mayor's 'mistake' https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-politics/city-councillor-considers-legal-advice-over-vancouver-mayors-mistake-sean-orr-ken-sim-11963943 ------ 00:00 - Opening  00:04 - Introduction  01:28 - Story 1 12:07 - Story 2 17:12 - Story 3 21:23 - Interview wth NWTAC President Kandis Jameson  47:18 - Closing Remark 49:27 - End Credits ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    50 min
  7. Full Interview: Village of Edgerton CAO Nick Frank

    Feb 23 ·  Bonus

    Full Interview: Village of Edgerton CAO Nick Frank

    Welcome to The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  The role of the Chief Administrative Officer can be isolating at the best of times. It is often described as the narrow point in the hourglass—the space between council and administration where expectations, accountability, and leadership converge.  But what happens when that hourglass narrows even further? When the administration is not a team, but a single individual? When the CAO is also responsible for finance, planning, operations, and even front-line service delivery? Today, we are joined by Nick Frank, CAO for the Village of Edgerton, to explore what it truly means to lead as an administration of one.  As “jack-of-all-trades” CAOs, Nick brings firsthand insight into the challenges, pressures, and unique opportunities that come with balancing governance, strategy, and day-to-day execution in small or lean municipal environments. ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    37 min
  8. The "Jack Of All Trade" CAO

    Feb 16

    The "Jack Of All Trade" CAO

    Welcome to another edition of The Political Trenches Local Government At Work.  Today on the show, we’re discussing a mayor in Ontario has his pay suspended for misusing strong mayor powers and harassing staff, a Saint John police union representative forcibly removed from council chambers amid governance tensions, and Winkler’s mayor calling for respect after the city was chosen to host its first Pride march. Later in the episode, we are diving into our series on the CAO, with a Jack of all Trades CAO. ------ Stories In Todays Episode Story 1: Renfrew County mayor fined 180 days pay for abusing strong mayor powers, bullying and harassment https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/renfrew-county-mayor-fined-180-days-pay-for-abusing-strong-mayor-powers-bullying-and-harassment/ Story 2: Saint John police union rep forcibly removed from council chambers https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/saint-john-police-association-bob-davidson-council-meeting-security-letter-board-9.7082961 Story 3: Winkler mayor urges respect after city chosen to host Pembina Valley Pride march for 1st time https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winkler-pride-event-pushback-mayor-respect-9.7074784 ------ 0:00 - Special Message 0:30 - Opening  0:34 - Introduction  1:33 - Story 1 7:34 - Story 2 14:11 - Story 3 18:23 - Interview with Edgerton CAO Nick Frank  37:36 - Closing Remarks  40:46 - End Credits  ------ Subscribe to Show: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GISqEX  Spotify Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepoliticaltrenches  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow The Political Trenches: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/  Website: https://www.strategicsteps.ca/ The Political Trenches is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026

    41 min
See All (119)

About

Welcome to the Political Trenches: Local Government At Work, a new online show dedicated to local governance here in Alberta, across Canada and Around the World. Each week, Co-Hosts Ian McCormack (President of Strategic Steps Inc.) and Christopher Brown (Host of the Cross Border Interviews with Chris Brown) come together to talk about the big news and issues facing municipal governance.

Information

More From Cross Border Network