Saskatoon City Councillor Raises Concerns Over Democratic Process, Clerk Issues Apology
In a recent city council meeting, Saskatoon City Councillor, Hilary Gough, raised concerns over the democratic process and the role of the city clerk. Gough expressed her disappointment with the lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
During the meeting, Gough brought up a specific incident where a motion was passed without proper discussion or debate. She stated, “That’s way, way inappropriate. It’s not how we should be conducting business.”
Gough’s concerns were met with an apology from the city clerk, Joanne Sproule, who acknowledged the mistake and took full responsibility for it. Sproule stated, “I apologize for not following the proper procedures and for any confusion or frustration this may have caused.”
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the democratic process within the city council. Some councillors have expressed their support for Gough’s concerns and have called for a review of the current procedures to ensure transparency and fairness.
Mayor Charlie Clark has also weighed in on the matter, stating that the incident was a learning opportunity for the council to improve their processes and communication.
The city clerk’s office has since implemented new measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes providing councillors with more information and time to review motions before they are brought to a vote.
The city council has also committed to reviewing their procedures and making necessary changes to ensure a more transparent and accountable decision-making process.
This incident serves as a reminder that the democratic process is a crucial aspect of local government and must be upheld with the utmost integrity. As elected officials, it is their responsibility to ensure that the voices of their constituents are heard and that decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner.
The city council will continue to work towards improving their processes and rebuilding trust with the community. As for Councillor Gough, she remains committed to advocating for a more open and accountable democratic process within the city council.
