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Openness, transparency please

Recent news from Greenwood City Hall prompts one resident to call for more transparency and openness.
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Articles published in the Boundary Creek Times that relate and contribute to municipal politics and decisions are most always of interest in the public domain, and most often informative and enjoyable to read. The two insertions in the Feb. 27 issue of your paper that relate to the current and existing Councillor Barry Noll “removal” situation were good contributions; however, they were unfortunately based only on the material/discussions provided to the writers. The “real” story could not be disclosed and expounded upon, as I am certain both writers would have preferred. For this reason, there could be an element of doubt in your readers’ minds as to the actual validity and accuracy of both of the articles.

Unfortunately, this can be the consequence and associated result of an in-camera meeting that, in my view, should not be allowed. I think the public is entitled to all discussion that is associated with local municipal and regional politics, and demand and deserve as much openness and transparency as possible. I am sure most would agree. Sadly, I do not make the rules. Perhaps Mr. Noll’s removal cannot be justified—or maybe it can. Who really knows? I have the answer—the council and mayor think they know. They are the folks that had Mr. Noll removed as a result of their unanimous decision at a “special” meeting that he was not present at. I personally think such a decision should have been made in his presence.

In Greenwood we have some capable people on council—and we have others who are capable of being capable. We did not elect just a bunch of warm bodies. They have been chosen to make decisions, at times tough decisions. Should they decide not to decide, they would be abdicating their responsibilities to the people in Greenwood.

Your readers will have to conclude for themselves whose agenda these folks were trying to serve. I rest my case.

Alex Larson, Greenwood