Despite what you hear, EG Council hears 98% of deputations

This is not about “feeling uncomfortable”.

(Taken from a Facebook post I wrote on March 27 of this year)

Some of you may have noticed I haven’t posted here for months. The vitriol and twisting of facts have made this platform feel toxic for civil discussion. I’ve focused instead on engaging with residents directly and advancing the Town’s work.

Yet when I asked a resident why they believed everything on Facebook, they said that without another perspective, it feels like the full story, especially when “local media” amplifies the negative voices. So I feel a duty to clarify what’s been circulating about Council’s recent refusal to hear three deputants.

Contrary to the social media narrative, “free speech” in the form of speaking to Council is alive and well in EG. Council has heard over 165 deputations just since September. Of the individuals that were refused this week, two of them have had many deputations before Council in the previous months, with one resident asking for as many as five separate deputations for just one day!

Posters on social media would have you believe that our refusal of these three on Tuesday is the whole story. In fact, there were two other deputations that were heard that same day. Denying these three individuals is the exception, not the norm. 98% of deputations have been heard by EG Council.

Deputations have always been an important part of our local democratic process. They give residents an opportunity to address issues that are before Council, or, to alert Council to policy matters that should be before Council, with the intent of helping to inform our decision-making.

Over the past several months, however, some deputations appear to be moving away from that purpose and are being used to debate “he said / she said” accusations or to raise behavioural concerns about staff or members of Council – including things as trivial as how we sip our water. My words have been twisted and false motives assigned to my work as a Councillor.

Deputations are not an opportunity to debate, yet on multiple occasions I have had to correct the record after a deputation, something I have never had to do in my previous 7 years on Council. Many times, for the sake of meeting efficiency, and in order to follow protocol, the misleading statements are left to stand unchallenged, leaving those watching with less than the whole true story. Even when corrected publicly and privately, they continue to push their false interpretations and motives in subsequent deputations.

I certainly understand that residents may have frustrations or concerns. However, these types of concerns are usually best addressed where there is an opportunity for dialogue and resolution — whether that is speaking directly with the individuals involved, raising concerns with the Mayor, or, where appropriate, bringing matters to the Integrity Commissioner.

Allowing deputations that appear primarily aimed at blame rather than advancing solutions does not feel like a constructive use of staff and Council’s time. This is not simply my personal view; it reflects feedback I am hearing with increasing frequency from many residents in our community. As a Councillor I represent all residents, including those who want Council to be working on issues that more directly impact residents. I take seriously my responsibility to focus on the issues that matter to all residents.

Governing is never easy. Balancing the wants of the few with the needs of the many can be challenging. But I think we are doing that by hearing 98% of the deputations while continuing to focus on all the other business before the Town.

If you would like more detail on this or any decision or comment I’ve made, please reach out to me directly – but please know that I will not be debating on social media.