"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

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Comment to a Post on Charter of Rights and Freedoms

First, I am a supporter. I believe two things. First, that you have been mis-treated by the GOS, particularly its two leaders (MORMAC). Second, I believe that MORMAC are manipulative and tend toward underhandedness and skullduggery in their dealings.

That said, I think you posted an inaccuracy of some material semantic value re: the code of conduct. Specifically, you included in a blog what you held out to be Clause 3 of the Code of Conduct. I reproduce your version below, in quotes.

"Clause 3. Communications and Media Relations.


Members of Council will accurately and adequately communicate the attitudes and decisions of Council even if they disagree with the majority decision of Council.

Members shall allow respect for the decision making process of Council

Official information related to decisions and resolutions made by Council will normally be communicated to the community and the media by council in an official capacity by the Mayor or designated staff member or through a press release issued by the Corporation.

Information concerning adopted policies,procedures and decisions of Council shall be conveyed openly and accurately.


Confidential information will be communicated only when and after determined by Council.

Communications with the media and Members of Council shall be conducted through proper interviews or media releases. Members shall refrain from writing letters to the editor or writing a regular column in the newspaper or hosting or co-hosting a regular televised program."

This is not accurate Ev. The official version, the link to which which I include below, while overly constraining in my view, is not as bad as what you wrote. There are actually 2 clause 3s, one for council, and one for committees, with the committee one only commenting on publishing news columns etc., but not with the imperative to "refrain from" etc.


http://www.e-aurora.ca/aurora/index.aspx?ArticleID=56&lang=en-CA

I can't imagine that this has been altered from an original version that more resembled your version. Can it? Do you have a version that includes your stronger wording?

Yes I do.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Is the version you have (with the stronger wording) the one that was adopted, and thus the official one, meaning that the one on-line is altered somewhat, or is the one you have an initial draft, which includes language that more belies the actual intent of the document as written by the authors, only to be toned down for adoption?