Windsor city council report card: Mayor Drew Dilkens

Grade: A-

Dilkens was seen as a sequel to former Mayor Eddie Francis during thecampaign, and while continuing to freeze taxes for the seventh and eighth consecutive years, he has set a fresh tone. The first half of histerm is marked by new inroads for thecycling movement and having 21st-century attitudes towards social values and connecting with taxpayers. Dilkens providedenergetic leadership during recent natural disasters.

He stirred up bitter feelings with unfulfilled calls for regional policing and theoutsourcing of custodial work. Also taking flak over everything from support for Uber and the mega hospital site to his focus on sports tourism to a plan for apedestrian tunnel beneath Riverside Drive. Other bumps included thePR campaign related to bingo lawsuits and aperceived lack of support for theFCA expansion. Most of therough spotshappened in his first year as mayor. Dilkensnow seems to be finding his rhythm.

Despite a busy travel schedule, he is rarely absent from meetings. Hemakes appearances at community meetings and events that could be viewed as skippable. Dikenswins rave reviews from councillors (who often disagree with one another) for his laid-back, collaborative approach.

Attendance record: 97.14% (102 of 105 meetings)

Salary: $182,996.02 (including $83,071.56 in board payments)

Travel expenses: $41,755.83 (2015); $23,972.83 (first half 2016)

Social media: Tweets almost daily. Uses Instagram a couple times a week. Posts semi-regularly on Facebookand when he does, it's in his own voice. Used Facebook Live to give a public look at the tornado damage. On LinkedIn.

Proud of:

• Improved economy, unemployment
• Winning Memorial Cup bid
• New city hall construction
• Cabana Rd. improvement plan
• Mega hospital funding
• Two more years of tax freeze

To-do list:

• More cycling infrastructure
• More funding for public art

Quote: "There's no magic here. It's about delivering on what I said I was going to do. That's how I want people to judge me."