Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the article entitled “Mayor seeks transparency at MRC.” [Editor’s note: July 10 pg. 1 & 2] Mayor Newberry has made some observations and criticisms of the current practice at the MRC. I would like to speak to these.
The MRC Regional Council meetings are now held in the evening to encourage the public to attend.
The council meeting is held predominantly in English as some members of our council are unable to understand French. When residents of the Pontiac attend our meetings they are encouraged to speak in the language of their choice and the response is given in the same language.
We have investigated simultaneous translation as Mayor Newberry pointed out and we found it to be an extremely expensive process.
We have a possible opportunity to work with CHIP FM who have recently received funding. This would enable a broadcast of our meeting highlights the next day in English and French. I believe if this is the desired action that it will enable many more residents to follow the business of the MRC Pontiac.
Prior to every meeting, several documents and related information are provided by the staff to the mayors. This is available with sufficient time to read and question the information. Originally the council designated a day for committee meetings. It was decided for efficiency and reduced expense that one full day of meetings which include the committee meetings in our plenary session followed by the public meeting was best. In this way there is time for concentrated discussion and in my opinion the committee mandates are very clear.
I am confident that every council member takes the required time to prepare well for the meetings.
Since November 2017 when we were all elected, we have made transparency an important priority. All of the MRC staff and members of council have received both code of ethics and conflict of interest training.
For the Pontiac to move forward especially as we find solutions after the flood, it is important that we work as a team to serve the tax payers of the Pontiac. I feel much progress has been made to be as transparent as possible and we will continue to strive to be even better.
Jane Toller, MRC Pontiac Warden
