Can you say accountability?

Municipal elections in Charlottetown will be held Nov. 5, 2018. Many of us think that the theme must be accountability. Are city councillors thinking of being accountable to the electors?

Two have spoken up - Coun. Jason Coady, Ward 8, Highfield and Coun. Bob Doiron, Ward 6 Mount Edward. In both cases it was a breath of much needed fresh air to clear the morass in the city’s administration. They should be encouraged and commended. I would also encourage Mayor Lee to answer their questions fully for the sake of transparency and accountability in public affairs.

Charlottetown is growing rapidly, becoming more diverse. We are no longer the quiet little town of 20 years ago. We are facing urban problems in the growth of the city. We have to ensure that our governance improves and follows modern standards. The old ways of the past are no longer appropriate or acceptable.

Accurate and full disclosure and communication with the public on various municipal questions must prevail. Decisions should be reached through consensus and in full consultations with the public in a broad and general manner to ensure that taxpayers understand the issues and are confident that the system works in their favour and not only for a few. This goes from street paving to the city’s hiring policies of senior staff and their contracts. All this information should be in the public domain.

This coming election should be seen as one of renewal of our democratic institutions at the municipal level.

Laurent Beaulieu, Charlottetown