Highly disappointing, the article ‘TCDC slams door on Open Government Reform’ (The Coromandel Informer 9 July, p.2) has not triggered any meaningful reaction from readers other than Mr Minogue’s ludicrous comments (Letter to the Editor, 17 July).
Unfortunately, pushing for more transparency and accountability of Council’s deliberative processes does not seem to be an issue of general concern.
Thumbs up for TCDC’s Governance Manager who recommended to adopt in principle, openness by default for all ‘workshops’, ‘huis’, ‘forums’ etc. and clear definitions of why case by case closure may be justified.
The resolution to keep the status quo shows a fundamental disrespect of ratepayers’ rights to transparent, open and participatory decision-making processes.
Some of Councillors’ reported comments exhibit a misguided sense of disdain for the Ombudsman’s recommendations, exposing Councillors’ deeply rooted arrogance.
Now, here is a one-in-a-life-time chance for our Mayor to shine. He was not present at the meeting and he, like any other Councillor, could trigger a new vote on this issue.
