Nanaimo-Info-blog: Where Is The Transparency?

Where Is The Transparency?

City Councillors Can Not Attend Colliery Meeting??
Apparently there is a meeting set for this Thursday between city staff and members of the ‘Friends of Colliery Park Lakes Dam’ which was supposed to allow for more open communication between residents and city hall. It was also supposed to present a platform for the ‘Friends’ to present information for staff’s consideration. At least I believe that was the intent of council when they passed Councillor Pattje’s motion.

I tried to attend the meeting but was told it was closed to the media. That is in spite of the fact that ‘Friends’ would not mind my being in attendance. It seems staff have no interest in that openness and transparency they are always paying lip service to, unless it means their decisions might be held up to public scrutiny. Why?

I have been urging all members of council to attend this meeting if they can, as that is the only way they will hear what ‘Friends’ wants them to hear rather than the version that has gone through the filter of ‘staff’, who have a reason to not have their decision questioned.

I have been in contact with a member of the ‘Friends’ group and they have told me that several councilors they contacted said they wished to attend, but were told they could not. HOW CAN THAT POSSIBLY BE TRUE! Is this a democracy or are we really being ruled by the King and his lords who tells the media and councillors they can not be party to this meeting?

I have sent an email to Mayor and Council seeking a clarification on this, as, if it is true then it is about time someone in this town told the little ‘kings’ at city hall ‘enough is enough’!