Re: Questionable question time
Removing a mechanism for public involvement at our most accessible level of government is a fundamental abuse of power. Insulting ratepayers and residents by saying they have an agenda is ignorant and an insult to our intelligence. The same councillor [Peter Brown] would not have had the same issue with questions being asked if they supported his ‘smart meter’ agenda, with his reference to himself as representing the “under-educated and ill-informed”. Clearly, he has a high opinion of his constituents.
Dkreid (via web)
So the meetings have gone from one hour to two hours long? Is that what the councillors are complaining about? In other municipalities it is not uncommon for debates to go for far longer than that. Some people have long felt that Dandenong’s council meetings were just rubber stamping decisions already made anyway. Answering the questions is the least our councillors can do in order for residents to have access to genuine participation.
Nina from Noble Park (via web)
If Cr Peter Brown does not want to listen to any community questions he is free to leave the chamber and go home.
Noble Gentleman (via web)
I viewed the February 11 meeting via webcast and although the aspect was quite limited, I again heard inappropriate comments made by councillors not holding the floor. I was also shocked that there was a large contingent of councillors who voted for a motion to restrict/vet public questions, with talk of turning off the webcast and requiring those asking questions to be in the gallery.
On February 11, I was unable to attend the meeting as I have a small child, who I feel it would be inappropriate to bring to a meeting (I’m sure you would not want a three-year-old in the gallery), so webcast is my only way of having access to meetings. I did not have a need to ask a question that meeting, but if I did, there would be no way for me to be there in person. I’m sure there are a number of residents who are in a similar situation.
I’m grateful that mayor Angela Long did vote against the motion to restrict public questions and [chief executive officer] John Bennie did not exercise his right to vet public questions to the full extent.
Kim Reid, Dandenong North
It’s not about free speech
I agree with Cr Peter Brown. There are numerous ways to find an answer to a concern. Use the council call centre, use email. It is not against any free speech to disallow your petty complaints at a public meeting. Use your free speech via the phone or email. The problem is entirely a part of a Greens agenda — it’s what the party representative told all residents to do during his campaign. The Greens seem to think that the louder and more public you make yourself, the more important you become. Not so.
Somerfield Lover (via web)
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