Communication key
Municipal council
BY LYNDA HILLMAN-RAPLEY - Lakeshore Advance
Posted 2 months ago
The problem with communication ... is the illusion that it has been accomplished ~George Bernard Shaw:
When it comes to transparency and communication- taxpayers want an open and clear view as to how their money is being spent, how their municipality is being run. We vote people in hoping their motivation is to do what's best for everyone. When we think that is not happening and there are too many unanswered questions-reaction is in high gear.
This is an election year and we are going to see a whole lot of grandstanding. At the end of the day, whatever motivates candidates and incumbents should include the desire to encourage and foster stakeholder participation and openness in the decision making process.
But as in any government, that process may take time and leg work. Sometimes the answers are not instantly available. It makes little sense to give part answers---it makes little sense to call public meeting when there is no current information. That does not mean there is no transparency. Transparency means the municipal decision making process is open and clear to the public. When they have the answers--they should reveal.
That is expected and in most cases demanded by tax payers. Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government that enhance public trust. That is not new. If you live in Ontario you should be content that your council conducts its business in a public, accountable and transparent manner through the Municipal Act, 2001, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, the Provincial Offences Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act the Health Information Protection Act and the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act.
If you are not content that is happening---you have until Sept. 10 to file.
