Leslie Asks:
What are your thoughts on accountability and transparency and Council decisions made behind closed doors?
Far too often it appears that decisions are taken 'in camera' because the Community Charter ALLOWS the topic to be taken behind closed doors, not because the discussion/decision HAS to be taken behind closed doors.
(The Community Charter is clear on which topics must be discussed in private and which may be discussed in private, leaving a lot of leeway for lack of transparency.)
I am comfortable with the items discussed in closed session at council. I think the guiding philosophy here is protection of the interests of the municipality. Will it cost more money to discuss a land deal in public? Could we get sued?
I am not sure what specific issues and decisions you are asking about. I'm happy to provide more info on rationale.
I think its a good idea for any new council, early in the term, to discuss in camera sessions to ensure our practices are as transparent as possible.