"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

The Law Needs To Be Upheld

The Municipal Act requires  adoption of the procedure bylaw immediately after Council is sworn into office . .
The Bylaw, in accordance with The Act,  requires at least one formal  meeting a month to decide  town business .
Publication of a calender to inform residents when  meetings will be held is required.  An agenda must be posted noting business to be discussed.  is legally required.
Start time and end must be made known.
The object is the public must have opportunity to attend meetings,  watch them on television, or use whatever other means to keep themselves informed and be aware when any particular item is to be decided. 
Using  time set aside for business for public forum...,presentations of awards... delegations... and  generally  leaving less  time for town business is not  not conforming tolaw.
Indeed, it could be argued  the practice  is intended to foil the purpose of the law. 
Cramming an agenda, over-running time allocated is not conducive to wise decisions.  
It does not fulfill the need for particular business to be conducted within a specific time and for all to be clear and transparent.
Talking in cirles and arguing back and forth across the table  between the hours of ten-thirty and midnight  is fraught with potential for harm , mischief or  mayhem.
It was after 1.00 a.m. when the previous  Council made a decision to sue three residents with their own tax dollars for nasty remarks made about the sitting Mayor.
This Council has authorised  a cheque for $65,000 to pay for that nefarious act. Even with an intervening election, the last chapter has not yet been written on that affair.
Town Hall has several reception areas admirably suited for presentations, awards and receptions. It was built for the purpose.
Business meetings are not the optimum for social events.
Delegations should  be made in Committee..
I have made these points before to deaf ears,
I do not believe the town's best interest is served with disorganized agendas and chaotic meetings that extend  almost  into  the following day..
Customer Service is distinctly lacking 


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