How much openness and transparency do the candidates for Gibsons mayor and council support? The Coast Clarion asked them.
Opportunity for public input at council meetings in Gibsons has been lacking and many people feel they have not been listened to at public hearings. The Coast Clarion sent a 10-question questionnaire to all 10 candidates for mayor and council to find out how they view openness, fairness and engagement with the public. These are Blake Macleod’s answers.
1) Do you support several opportunities for public inquiries during council meetings?
Yes, I support the idea, and know that a limited time allotment for public inquiry is common practice in other municipalities. I understand too that the Town of Gibsons was at one time more inclusive and encouraging of public participation during council meetings.
2) Do you support public inquiries about topics not on the agenda of council meetings?
Not precisely. While I do support early public inquiry on matters before council, I believe that caution is required so that order and focus is maintained for the sake of the integrity of the protocols and processes we rely on for good governance. If a subject or item of similar or differing interest arrises, then it should be summarized and referred to staff in the moment (and briefly noted in the minutes) to consolidate, perhaps including an invitation to the member(s) of the public involved. This item could then be followed up by a specific department head so that it might be returned through the appropriate processes to council for full consideration at a later date.
3) Should public inquiries, and the answers provided, be included in the minutes of council meetings?
Yes, but in brief, as a several-line summary, not recorded verbatim. Items requiring further consideration should be referred to staff, with a request for a brief to be generated for review at a later date, when the item may be considered for a vote. At that time interested parties should be encouraged to return to speak to the item.
4) Do you think an opportunity for public input before every vote at council meetings is a good idea?
No, because the process could too easily become bogged down. With adequate and effective public and expert consultation, the perceived need by the public to speak at council meetings will be reduced. I will advocate for quality engagement, and a practical approach to getting buy-in before an item reaches the agenda in chambers.
5) Should the minutes of council meetings include entire discussions and matters raised, including the names of the speakers?
No. Item summary only, with the name(s) of the person(s) inquiring, and a note detailing the action recommended.
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 and no. Not necessarily every week, but I will make regular scheduled meetings with the mayor a priority in early 2019 — with engaged citizens concerned about specific issues, and young people to encourage interest in civic government, governance and politics in general. I see the role of mayor as many things other than the practical.
I would also strongly encourage council members and staff to participate on an ‘as appropriate and when available’ basis. They are already required to work after hours in support of public consultations, attending seminars and upgrading qualifications. We must be careful to use staff resources carefully, and we must also respect that being a town councillor is a part time job. People have loved ones to spend time with, and everyone needs and deserves down time as much as anyone.
7) In your opinion, does council need to vote unanimously?
No, and we should expect that several levels of discussion will have taken place before council sits to vote. Opinions may differ or mesh, and there will be lobbying and controversy behind the scenes, but a quick vote in council chamber should not be interpreted as having being taken with too little consideration.
8) What is your view on public hearings? If a majority of the speakers express a certain opinion, what should council do?
The role of government is to consider and give weight to all voices, both present and absent, amply represented and underrepresented.
9) What is your view on providing town documents to the public when asked? Which categories should not be released, if any?
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is comprehensive and has very specific guidelines around the public’s right to access and whose rights are protected. We must be rigorous in our adherence to these laws.
10) In your view, what are the best methods for council to achieve meaningful consultation with the public?
Through consistent and genuine public consultation, primarily through a process which respects the intention and principles outlined in the Official Community Plan.