Issues and Actions
1) Public Opinion and Involvement
It appears that the public is rarely solicited for their opinion on large matters. When they are solicited, it is typically after Council has already taken a stance and decided on a direction. As town residents, we want to have elected officials present information upfront and gain our input through surveys, public meetings etc. As elected officials, you should be acting on behalf of residents, not making decisions for them. We wish to see Council involve residents more frequently.
2) Sole Sourcing vs. Open Bidding
No work should be sole sourced. To ensure that money is spent wisely and to ensure open transparency, the Town should ensure that all work goes through an open bidding process. The current policy should be updated to reflect this.
3) Conflicts of Interest
ALL conflicts, direct or indirect, are conflicts. To not declare that the involvement of a brother, sister etc is not transparent enough in today's society. No Councillor should be in chambers or allowed to vote if a conflict is present and the Town's policy should be updated to reflect this.
4) Lobbying
It appears as though Lobbyists exist within our community. As residents, we should have access to know who is a lobbyist and what issues they are lobbying for. The town should also have a detailed lobbying policy.
It appears that the public is rarely solicited for their opinion on large matters. When they are solicited, it is typically after Council has already taken a stance and decided on a direction. As town residents, we want to have elected officials present information upfront and gain our input through surveys, public meetings etc. As elected officials, you should be acting on behalf of residents, not making decisions for them. We wish to see Council involve residents more frequently.
2) Sole Sourcing vs. Open Bidding
No work should be sole sourced. To ensure that money is spent wisely and to ensure open transparency, the Town should ensure that all work goes through an open bidding process. The current policy should be updated to reflect this.
3) Conflicts of Interest
ALL conflicts, direct or indirect, are conflicts. To not declare that the involvement of a brother, sister etc is not transparent enough in today's society. No Councillor should be in chambers or allowed to vote if a conflict is present and the Town's policy should be updated to reflect this.
4) Lobbying
It appears as though Lobbyists exist within our community. As residents, we should have access to know who is a lobbyist and what issues they are lobbying for. The town should also have a detailed lobbying policy.