Almost like a Q&A

Posted by Magda
It was like a Q&A, but without the Q. Or the A, for that matter.
Some council watchers were distressed last week when they heard that no one would be allowed to ask questions as various companies presented their composting technologies to council last night. It seemed odd to bring all these experts together in one room and not allow the public, or even councillors, to ask anything.
Mayor Karen Farbridge explained before the meeting yesterday that it was an issue of fairness -- each potential bidder needs to be given the opportunity to respond to each question. So instead of asking questions in public, councillors can send their questions to staff, who will forward them to all the potential bidders.
"Any questions will be provided to all proposals to everyone has an opportunity to respond," Farbridge told chambers last night.
Even with the explanation, that doesn't sit well with former councillor David Birtwistle.
"How do the citizens of Guelph know what questions are being asked and what are the responses?" he asked.
I'm hoping I'll be able to get a copy of those questions and answers, either to post here or to publish in the paper.
In the meantime, read more on last night's meeting in today's Mercury.

Comments

[Edward Pickersgill]

VBG... so does it really make a difference to the flow of conversation whether public comment is choked off by a right-handed or left-handed mayor? Small wonder fewer and fewer citizens show up to vote never mind to interact directly with representatives.

I can see having a raft of presentations to Council by proponents of recycling solutions for Guelph without questions being asked. That could be quite productive. But then there should be round two, on another night after all the information has settled in with councillors and interested citizens. Let the questions fly in some organized fashion. And then let the final proposals be submitted and the votes be taken.

This interested citizens does not care whether councillors enter the back room by way of left or right doors... as long as we get a full airing and a shot at full participation by those who want to step forward...