Good process over good theatre

Re: “Keeping behind the scenes, behind the scenes”

Dear Editor,

Respectfully the writer missed the mark on this one.

Oshawa’s Corporate Services Committee was considering a notice of motion to change the council procedural bylaw in order to allow councillors to ask the city’s commissioners questions regarding matters not on the agenda at the end of council meetings. This failed motion would have done nothing to help the city run more efficiently or the residents be more informed.

The real work of the city happens at the committees. Oshawa has a four-committee structure that works very well. This includes a Community Services Committee, a Corporate Services Committee and a Development Services Committee, which are each attended by their respective commissioner, and a Finance Committee attended by the city’s treasurer. Each councillor sits on two of these committees and is invited to attend the other committees. All councillors have an opportunity to ask the commissioners and the treasurer questions during these public meetings. Anyone can observe the proceedings in person, or online, or rely on the reporters in attendance to report.

Let’s encourage good process over good theatre.

Roger Bouma