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by Fred Kirby
May 25, 2005
I am told
that members of council have a great deal of work to do. I have no doubt
that is true. Certainly, there is much to read and there are numerous
meetings including council meetings to attend.
So, that being the case, why does council not”work smart”? When
institutions and business experienced the cut backs of the 80’s and 90’s,
working smart was the operative word. The desktop and the word processor
made their presence felt while telephone messaging reduced the frustrating
telephone tag. Then there was the phrase. “Is that meeting necessary?” to
reduce the time staff was tied up in meetings. Today with the web, cell
phone, and blackberry, information is communicated almost instantly.
But technology is only a part of “work smart.” More importantly, it
requires people who want to “work smart.” It requires people not afraid of
change and whose minds are open.
The web is a tool that for many is an unrealized potential. Council seems
not to know how best to use information technology and that shows in
numerous ways, but, perhaps, not more than in the use of the municipal web
site. Why spend thousands of dollars on local advertising of the
municipality when the potential of its website has not begun to be
realized?
As for meetings, there is no reason for all council members to sit on the
board of BMTS. The democratic process and council’s time would be better
served if the board was reduced with one member appointed from council and
the others elected. This would not only give council more time for council
work but by canceling the annual $73,000 in salaries plus expenses of the
present board there would be more money into the municipal coffers. Nor is
it necessary for the mayor to sit on the Westario board of directors.
While it is the responsibility of council to approve the appointment,
there is nothing to say that the position could not be put on the ballot
at municipal elections and council appoints the winner.
Before we spend taxpayers’ money for local infomercials we need to put the
municipality in an efficient and effective working order. Then truly we
would have bragging rights.
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