9/22/2009 8:31:04 AM #

Two issues in fact. What was done, and how it was done. When a council has the apparent arrogance to bury items in agendas, seemingly rushing through three readings, not publishing the bylaw: here’s a government hoping to frost over an issue for some reason. See how the lack of transparency can cause trust to be tested?

Ratepayers will not accept cheap chicanery and manipulation. There was no dissent on this closed shop bylaw? Not one council voice of support for open, and fluid information flow? His kind of attitude may have been politically acceptable when the city was a village, but things have changed. The city should be excited about any opportunity to involve the community in the civic process.

Other regional governments welcome their ratepayers to listen, and watch their meetings at multiple timeframes during the week.  Reporters often record meetings to assure they get their facts correct. The public portion of the meeting is for everyone, and the fear of having a recording device at a public forum in this internet age seems like old, small, fearful thinking.

Kim Harrold