1) Do you support several opportunities for public inquiries during council meetings?
Yes. Residents should have the floor open to them at all times during a council meeting. Questions are best handled as soon as possible. If there are too many questions and they hold up the meeting, the issue should be tabled for the next meeting or continued after other issues are dealt with.
2) Do you support public inquiries about topics not on the agenda of council meetings?
Yes. The Town of Gibsons operates a public hall for discussions with the public and the public should be allowed to use that opportunity. Residents should not be expected to remain silent because of regulations convenient to council.
3) Should public inquiries, and the answers provided, be included in the minutes of council meetings?
Yes. Questions and the answers provided are the basis of understanding in a community and they should be readily available to the public.
4) Do you think an opportunity for public input before every vote at council meetings is a good idea?
Yes. Public input can be a last resort to try and sway the direction of a council vote. At the same time, rules to prevent people from holding up the vote indefinitely are a necessity.
5) Should the minutes of council meetings include entire discussions and matters raised, including the names of the speakers?
Yes. See my answer to Question Three.
6) Do you think council members and the mayor should have a set time every week for members of the public to approach them on a personal basis?
Yes. Ideally, someone should be available at all times during the week. Mayor and council can take turns at being available to questions from residents. I realize this may be hard for a mayor or councillor with a full-time job, but an effort should be made.
7) In your opinion, does council need to vote unanimously?
Yes, when important issues are at stake. In case councillors do not agree, a process should be in place to reach a consensus everyone in the community can live with.
8) What is your view on public hearings? If a majority of the speakers express a certain opinion, what should council do?
Council should listen to serious concerns raised during public hearings.
9) What is your view on providing town documents to the public when asked? Which categories should not be released, if any?
The town should strictly adhere to the provisions in the B.C. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, which establishes the public’s right to access government records.
10) In your view, what are the best methods for council to achieve meaningful consultation with the public?
Openness and meaningful consultation can be practised through discussion at initial planning meetings, council meetings, hearings, easy web accessibility, accessibility of town office staff, friendliness, and one-on-one conversations between council and residents. Forums and call-in discussions on Channel 11, held on a regular basis, will allow the community at large to be apprised of community matters.