By Pepper Parr
November 19, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
I found myself thinking about the Swearing in ceremony that is going to take place December 1st at the Performing Arts Centre and wondered why the Mayor or perhaps one of the council members or maybe the manager of the city’s communications department or – heaven forbid, the people who are supposed to be working on “community engagement” – didn’t look for ways to open up the evening.
There will be as many as 700 people in the Main Theatre at the Performing Arts Centre. What an opportunity for this Council to use the occasion to actually listen to what residents have to say.
The organizers of the event could have four or five of those hand held microphones and the Mayor could invite people to ask questions of any member of Council.
These wouldn’t be delegations – just people asking questions.
Limit the time for this part to say 30 minutes. Anyone can ask any question. All they have to do is stand up and have the microphone placed in their hands. The questions would have to be short and direct
It wouldn’t hurt if there were a little back and forth permitted as well.
People in this city have things to say. Many will have nice things to say while others will ask pointed questions.
Somebody will have to control the event. Have current General Manager Scott Stewart take on that task; he’s pretty good at managing this kind of event. It will give the public a chance to see the man in action; they are going to be reading a lot more about the guy in the near future.
Is it risky? A bit – but leaders are supposed to lead – show by example. There are not many occasions when there are 700 citizens in one place and every member of Council in that place as well.
Worth a try folks and there is still time to juggle the agenda – no one is going to mind the additional half hour. Most people will stay glued to their seats waiting to hear the questions.
No pre-screening the questions – whatever comes out – comes out.
It will take a little courage but it is worth it.
I don’t think that this event is the place or time for such behaviour. This is a swearing in ceremonial celebration and hopefully with dignity. Let those who won the election celebrate and take on their re newer roles in a positive, healthy celebration. This is not the time for complainers.