Comments on the effects of Open Government
Some councilors have concerns about community involvement in council decisions.
Are these valid concerns or can they be addressed?
Refer a local radio station news item (Thur 14/4), which contained the following content;
'Council Engagement Off-For Now Thur 14/4
Thursday, 14 April 2011 05:15 2ST News
Shoalhaven Council has told it is living in the dark ages over its deferral of plans for a new community engagement policy. noisy self interest minority groups, could hijack the city's decision making process.
Council this week decided to seek more information, and obtain a briefing from staff about the policy, following warnings
Some of the tools suggested in the new policy included citizen juries, ballots, and delegated decisions,
Cr Andrew Guile says the policy as proposed would see the end of democracy in local government , and people making decisions, without having to face the ballot box
Graeme Gibson of Huskisson Woolamia Community Voice says council's current thinking is out of step with the expectation of locals who desperately want to be engaged in the decision making process."
