Transparency- Process and its impact.

First off, IF “in camera” meetings are being held improperly, we have no way for investigators to review those meetings. It seems we are seeing more “in camera” sessions than ever before. How do you think this affects transparency.

To understand how process can influence transparency, let’s look at the current policies regarding scheduled meetings. It seems that in one day, our Council has held Committee Meetings, recessed, then held the Council Meeting that confirms the action initiated earlier in the day. THIS process used to involve meetings divided by several weeks time, this was an important gap to allow research, public awareness and engagement.

Today, most decisions are announced AFTER they have been secured.

This should not surprise us. We have recordings of our Mayor Brian Smith sharing publicly that his Campaign Manager told him to do things so quickly that by the time they realized what was happening it would be too late. (Paraphrased as I Don’t have time to transcribe the video right now) He is certainly living up to that ideal. “They”… he actually used that word in that context! (Translation-Taxpayers/ residents/ ratepayers… take your pick).

One other process is having a VERY important impact on reducing true transparency. That is the extensive use of the “consent agenda”. Much like omnibus bills in federal politics, all kinds of approvals are hidden inside these “unanimous votes” of all items contained in the consent agenda. But…. How easy is it to find/ read these agendas? Well hunt away and do tell.

The Municipalities Cheque registers used to be reviewed in committee agendas, voted on publicly and were there for all to see as part of the agendas. Now… those cheque registers are posted months late, after significant public pressure. But… when does Council review these? Nobody knows. Is it behind closed doors? Is it no longer reviewed and approved? Improved transparency or another fail?

Another important aspect of eliminating true transparency is to silence those who serve on committees. These people serve at the pleasure of our Mayor who puts their names forward. Only those loyal to the Mayor are allowed to enter into political discussions online, but in most cases they use fake identities. (Before doubting this, please know that I wouldn’t claim it unless it was well documented)

So…. If Mayor Smith doesn’t want loose lips sharing actions of a committee, simple…. He can just appoint members loyal to the cause.

(Even if they are ex-employees no longer living in Wasaga Beach).

 

I have never understood why ALL committee meetings are not recorded for public review. Most important decisions of our Council start at the committee level and in many cases THOSE MEETINGS ARE NOT RECORDED. That is a decision made by our elected Council!!!!!

https://youtu.be/VuqEtZWRjzE?si=v5Q7Jmld6nNa1MW0

I like to provide evidence when I post bizarre statements like the one below. So please watch the attached video. Despite all of the procedural changes that Mayor Smith has implemented since taking office, it is important to review his election claims. In the attached video, Brian Smith says, “When you shut out the public you create a mistrust.”

Absolutely Brian, MISTRUST- you nailed it! So why are you shutting out the public? This is another one of those videos filmed up in his home in Tiny Township that helped him get elected. It’s that same series of election videos where in one, he said his home was Wasaga. Tiny? Wasaga? Yep… mistrust.

The whole theme for his election video was to be about transparency. He outlined how he claimed to have previously had the most transparent council ever, anywhere, all because he hosted public meetings to sell the 2014-18 FRAM plan. He forgets one thing… that failed plan was one of the main reasons he lost the next election. Now, watch the last few moments of the video where he says that this year’s plan will be the same as the last one. What? Maybe THAT is why we have heard nothing about the current FRAM PLANS for Beach One, Beach Two or Main Street?

Think about what you know about the current plans two years in. Think about what you don’t know. Think about all of the barriers I have discussed that truly impair transparency. Then… decide for yourself if the Brian Smith Council is being transparent.

Try to read all of the comments that surround the recently released Council Remuneration Report 2023 without thinking more strongly about deception than you do about transparency.

Tomorrow… we will talk about how Social Media had truly shaped the release of information our current Council wants you to believe.

Does anyone else see the comparison to the Wizard of Oz and the importance of keeping the curtain pulled?