At the Melancthon Council meeting at which Lowndes finally appeared in the flesh, albeit surrounded by hired suits and a couple of locals who Highlands thinks will generate some community buy-in based on their family names (one will, the other definitely NOT), the following article appeared in the Orangeville Banner:
http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1280599--highland-sitting-on-the-fence-regarding-potential-omb-bill
It was written by reporter Bill Tremblay.
In a column written in the same issue by Bill, he noted:
Melancthon’s council has decided to ban all audio and video recording as well as still image cameras from their public or open meetings. According to Mayor Bill Hill, the decision to ban recording stems from a dishonest video editor, who twisted council words into false statements. (minebuster note: really, lets have some disclosure, exactly when and where did that happen?)
The policy is a disservice to Melancthon residents. Council’s are elected to represent their constituents, not broadly punish everyone as a failsafe to their own reputation. The Highland quarry is a contentious issue and I’m certain others would have liked the opportunity to record their answers for further analysis or to share with others. (minebusters note: you are SO right) Hill said Highland’s answer would be posted to the municipal website, but nearly a week later, I can’t seem to find them. http://www.orangeville.com/opinion/columns/article/1281603--don-t-punish-everyone-for-mistakes-of-a-few
Funny thing is, Highlands reps have been taping NDACT public meetings for years now and NDACT doesn't seem to have a problem with video editor's twisting their words into false statements.
And the Mayor sits at County Council where tape recording goes on all the time and I have yet to hear that the County's words are twisted.
I am glad someone other than the ratepayers have raised this issue, particularly that Melancthon residents deserve better, because Council has not been listening to their ratepayers.
Hopefully with a third party Council might start to see that this is a new century where open data is just that, data for each to disseminate on their own.
That way, people wouldn't have to rely on this stupid freaking blog for information. And in my opinion that would be the biggest benefit to all.
I want proof of Mr. Hill's statement, because that provision was made when Mrs. Fawcett was mayor and I do not recall any such incident. I do recall a previous reporter complaining that council didn't even provide press packages, which might help a reporter to report with some accuracy, especially given the fact that they do not allow recordings. So obviously, "accuracy" is not Council's concern, but looking stupid is...Council's procedual by-law strangles democracy to serve their egos. An unfortunate tactic used by incompetent leaders.
ReplyDeleteTremblay rules!
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