Comments for Posts and Comments on Nanaimo Governance

Comment on More In Camera Meetings than Council Meetings by Jim Taylor

Jim Taylor — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:46:10 +0000

Ron; How many of those in camera meetings were eventually opened to the public? In other words how many were followed by a ‘rise and report’?

Comment on More In Camera Meetings than Council Meetings by Joe

Joe — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:48:20 +0000

welcome back Ron
If we are going to spend so much tax money on construction projects maybe we should have an arms length Real Estate Authority doing this activity instead of letting people who do not have a clue about this business taking citizens for a ride.

Comment on Is it a record? by Fred Kardel

Fred Kardel — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:02:43 +0000

Westwood Tennis Club– 48 page report, several hours of council presentations, hours of staff meetings, public newspaper notifications for public meetings, etc.

Uplands Wet House– 1 in- camera meeting, a 2 page staff memo, done deal.

Comment on Transparency by Fred Kardel

Fred Kardel — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:51:33 +0000

The Province needs to overhaul the Community Charter to put some teeth into the ‘Open Meeting’ requirement. The so-called ‘land, labour and litigation’ avenue to an in-camera meeting is too vague and allows situations to occur where the public interest is compromised simply because Council fears a negative backlash to a decision or they wish to fast track a controversial issue. The public interest must be the prime directive of Council even when it means some protracted and difficult interaction with the public.

Comment on Council has done its part: Now it’s up to us by gordfuller

gordfuller — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:45:41 +0000

Unfortunately I don’t see voter turnout equating with paying attention except in one way; more and more people are feeling not heard or firmly believe their voice means nothing and as such the choose not to vote.

Didn’t say they have lively open debate on everything, in fact they are quite selective. The whole process is sad really but at least we now have the option for more citizens to see just how sad.

Comment on Council has done its part: Now it’s up to us by Jim Taylor

Jim Taylor — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:01:48 +0000

Gord; I truly hope more people ARE paying attention, although the last voter turnout wouldn’t support that argument.

As for lively, open debate……. at which meeting did council engage in ANY discussion regards the $844 million financial plan they are giving the nod to after making history by actually going against the recommend of city manager and increased the budget, thanks in part to Councillor Brennan…..

Comment on Council has done its part: Now it’s up to us by Jim Taylor

Jim Taylor — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:57:05 +0000

No, Ron, Not shilling at all,,,,, just stating what I think will happen with THIS council, and that is based on observation……not agreeing at all…… I wish the gallery were full at ALL council meetings and that Councillors engaged in free and lively and open debate about all contentious issues…… but if the cameras turn an FPCOW into a typical council meeting…. well ??????

Comment on Transparency by gordfuller

gordfuller — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:22:00 +0000

“bylaw which would allow In-Camera matters to be revealed when secrecy is no longer required.” Moot point if it is determined secrecy should be in the realm of years.

Comment on Council has done its part: Now it’s up to us by gordfuller

gordfuller — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:09:17 +0000

I personally believe there are far more people paying attention than there used to be, it is the same with letters to the editor. Used to be no one I knew either watched council or read letters to the ed.; now I here about them doings so frequently. Bottom linee is the more that is done to get the info out the greater the liklihood people will pick up on it.

The whole thing about some councillors saying they would have to be more formal or there would be less debate is utter crap. They debate things at length at regular council meetings and as for formality, councillors frequently act like asses during the broadcast meetings that are taped.

Comment on Council has done its part: Now it’s up to us by Ron Bolin

Ron Bolin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:44:22 +0000

Are you shilling for Councillor Johnston’s argument that recording the meetings will hinder the process? If that is so, should we also stop recording the regular Council meetings? Should we have more in-camera meetings? Maybe we should set all meetings for times at which the public cannot attend. Would they best be held at midnight? Damn that public anyway for obstructing progress.