Dear friend,

This morning is busy at my local Tim Hortons. Most people are arriving and leaving in a rush, despite it being 6:00 a.m. on a Sunday.

Rather than engaging in that kind of rush, you're taking some time to read and reflect on this week's e-newsletter... and I appreciate you choosing to spend these few quiet moments here.

I just finished reading Victor L. Russell's book, Mayors of Toronto (Volume 1: 1834-1899). One former mayor whose life story provides us with some exceptionally helpful lessons is James Beaty Jr.

James Beaty Jr. was the 22nd mayor of Toronto. Born on a family farm in Halton County, Ontario, in 1831, he moved to Toronto to study law, was called to the bar in 1855, and eventually became a partner at a law firm.

Beaty was first elected as an alderman (the 19th-century equivalent of today's city councillor role) for St. James Ward, an area that now encompasses the St. James Town neighbourhood, in 1877.

Looking closely at his life, the standout lesson for us today is simple: be a good steward.

Shortly after his election as alderman, Beaty made his mark by drafting By-law #793. Known as the "Beaty By-law," this act consolidated ten sprawling standing committees down to five and, more importantly, established the Executive Committee. This new committee was given streamlined control over city administration activities and the authority to veto wasteful expenditures. He brought order to chaos.

Later, when he was elected as a federal Member of Parliament, he was similarly credited with numerous prominent acts of legislation.

Even upon his retirement from politics, Beaty didn't stop contributing. He wrote numerous articles on politics and religion for journals, periodicals, and newspapers, and began a full-scale study of the origin of constitutional law in Canada. In 1895, he penned a lengthy pamphlet entitled "Civic Relief," which offered detailed, practical proposals for civic reform.

James Beaty Jr. passed away in 1899 and was buried in the Necropolis, one of Toronto’s oldest and most historic cemeteries.

He left our city better and more organized than he found it. As you step into your week ahead, take a page out of Beaty's playbook: Where in your personal or professional life can you cut through the noise, streamline the chaos, and practice better stewardship?

Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect.

Until next time,
​Alex Rășcanu​
​

P.S. If you'd like to read the past life lessons-focused e-newsletters, you can find them here.

P.P.S. See you at one of the upcoming monthly #ExperienceTO historical tours, such as the Liberty Village one on June 13th.