North Cowichan – I am writing in regards to the special [North Cowichan] council meeting held on May 26. Not having the time to sit for a complete day to hear the entire strategic planning framework presentation, I went to the archive of videos to view the session. How disappointed I was when I found out the session was not there. No live streaming. I find this ironic because on page 11 of the agenda, under community engagement it reads, “Ensuring that council, staff and citizens keep talking to each other in an open and transparent way to ensure that decision-making is in line with the policies, goals, and principles of the plan.”
I believe next to being in the audience, being able to review the live streaming of the meeting is the next best thing. Now with no feed to view, all those who want information on the meeting are without. Please tell me how is this ensuring that council, staff and citizens keep talking to each other in an open and transparent way to ensure that decision-making is in line with the policies, goals, and principles of the plan?
I noticed on the agenda was to do about priority initiatives. Now this is just food for thought. How about making it a priority to mimic the responsible, debt free home owner. The municipality can make the following substitutions as to where they spend our money, making a priority list just like responsible home owners. home owner – municipality housing – police officers food – fire department utilities – sewer healthcare – water transportation – roads miscellaneous – parks savings – savings The most important message here is do not spend money you do not have. If you continue to go further into debt, it is just a matter of time before we are all looking to call somewhere else home.
P.S. I have my own thoughts on favouring the participatory budgeting process.
Jim Fane
North Cowichan
