Thursday, 12 April 2018

"Democracy is a messy form of government" - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 12th, 2018 8:35 am

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Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday April 12th, 2018 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck


This week we focus on: "Democracy is a messy form of government"


Humboldt Broncos Tragedy, as the Mayor of Preeceville, my deepest condolences to all the families and friends of those affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
Suma YouTube:
Lightning Round: Open Forum on Council Operations –  Breakout Session Convention 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAusS4ifYAs

Council Procedures

Rights of the General Public

"All council meetings are open to the public and no person shall be excluded except for improper conduct. This includes regularly scheduled meetings and any special meetings. All council decisions must be made during an open meeting and recorded in the meeting minutes. At every regular meeting, council approves the minutes of any previous regular or special meeting.

A council may close all or part of their meetings to the public (called "in camera") to discuss sensitive items such as those within Part III of The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or matters concerning long-range or strategic planning. A council cannot make any decisions during an in camera meeting. In order to pass any motions or resolutions, Council must close the in camera meeting and return to an open meeting.

The approved minutes may be read or inspected by any person at any time during regular business hours. Any person may obtain a copy of the approved minutes for a fee set by council that shall not exceed the reasonable cost incurred by the municipality to produce the copies"

For more details, see:
Sections 117 – 120 of The Municipalities Act


This next part is taken from the 
Citizens-Guide-To-Shaping-Council-Decisions.pdf 

Citizen Initiatives

An effective method of affecting municipal policy, from a cost standpoint as well as achieving results, may be the citizens’ ability to influence public opinion. In order to address concerns regarding municipal decisions, you may need:
• courage;
•persistence;
• persuasive skills; and
• time.
It is one thing to discuss municipal matters at “coffee row” where the consensus is “somebody” should do “something”. It takes courage to be that “somebody” to come up with “something,” which may then be critiqued by others in the community. Persistence and your ability to persuade others will enable you, either alone or with others, to overcome possible resistance to proposed changes. This persistence, however, should not overshadow recognition that there may be little public support for alternative proposals. You should be prepared to further recognize that it may take some time to achieve your goal of building political support for a proposed policy. To build public opinion or raise awareness of an issue, you are encouraged to consider the following strategies:
• become informed;
• research the issue;
• meet with council;
• facilitate a public meeting of voters;
• promote a plebiscite; and
• request a referendum.

"Conclusion"
"It has been said “democracy is a messy form of government”; however, it is a form of government that is clearly accountable to its voters.  Municipal government is a form of democracy and accountability, and citizens’ ability to influence decisions made by their elected officials is enshrined in this form of government and its legislation. Open communication is one of the most effective ways to lobby your members of council for specific decisions.  Debate the matter with elected members, municipal officials and other citizens. Define the public interest and build political support. The cliché “it is not possible to please all of the people all of the time” is a lesson quickly learned by many members of council.  Likewise councillors, mayors and reeves who consistently disregard public opinion soon discover that they may have little support from voters when seeking  re-election.  Concerned citizens have opportunities to seek office or to support other candidates who may enjoy more support"

 http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/313/104661-2017-Citizens-Guide-To-Shaping-Council-Decisions.pdf 

Events:

 - Ongoing
 Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace.

-  The Jackpot this week is   
- Last week the Jackpot was won for a total of $10,353.00. The Lions would like to say Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser. Watch our page for updates on when the next Chase The Ace will start.
Watch their Ad's.   Follow the ACE on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/
Each week the Lions post photo's of the draw and sometimes the winners. Check it out!


- April 18th - April 15th to 21st is National Volunteer Week and the Preeceville and District Heritage Museum, in conjunction with the Preeceville EDC, would like to express their appreciation for all of the hard work done by the volunteers in our area. If your club or organization would like to recognize a volunteer, contact Agnes at 306-547-3047. This event is open to the public to enjoy. 2:00pm at Club 60

- May 26th - Community Garage Sale 


 - And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca


Follow the Mayor on the town site at http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=65&cid=6 follow me on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/







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