Charlie Clark offers advice to next mayor at ‘State of the City’ event

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark shared the highlights and challenges of his last eight years in office at his final “State of the City” address at TCU Place Tuesday.

In January, Clark announced he would not run for a third term as mayor.

Dubbed “unfiltered and unplugged,” Clark was asked a variety of questions by Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce President Jason Aebig, including what advice he would have for the next mayor.

“Don’t let the name ‘Your Worship’ go to your head, and I’m serious,” he said.

“There’s a real risk that as you get called ‘Your Worship’ more and more, your head starts to expand, and you start to think you’re more important than other people, and then you start treating people like you’re more important than other people,” he continued.

Clark said instead, the role requires one to “lift people up,” because there would be times when the mayor would need the same in return.

“That includes your colleagues on council, your incredible team at the administration … you need to be able to build that trust around you and not get it in your head that you’re the most important,” he added.

Some of the best learning experiences, he also described as occurring when he was out of his office at City Hall —  on a police ride along, on the city bus, taking part in a homeless challenge, meeting newcomers in the city, or speaking with local seniors.

“You can let the job just suck you away from the real life of the community. Don’t do that, ’cause you’ll miss out on the insights and the wisdom that are needed to really truly be there for people when they need it,” he told Aebig.

Clark kept his sense of humour, even when asked about active transportation, including bike lane development, during his tenure and why the subject has been a source of personal criticism.

“Of course … bike lane Charlie … mine it until he’s gone,” he said.

At the end of his presentation and conversation, to a standing ovation, Clark was presented with a framed picture of the city.