We’re introducing a new feature – ‘Ask the Mayor’ – which will be accessible via our pages in the Header of the site. The Mayor is the spokesperson for Council. She/he is the one who signs off on correspondence and public statements. In putting her/his name to documents, (regardless of actual ‘authorship’), the Mayor is in effect assuming responsibility on behalf of Council. We believe that such responsibility needs to be accountable, and far more public. It also needs to be easily accessible so that residents may fully scrutinise the quality of the responses in terms of veracity, and relevance to actual questions asked.
Last Tuesday night there were 46 public questions, 40 of which were taken on notice. These will eventually appear in minutes. But over time, they will be lost in a welter of other public questions, correspondence, and so on. Our intention is to maintain an up-to-date repository of all public questions according to dates as well as categories – that is, we will classify each question into one of our categories (ie ge governance). The answer to each question will also be included. Again, as with ‘Bouquets & Brickbats’, this will become a permanent and ‘living’ archive.
Other forms of correspondence with councillors are also welcomed – as are Council’s responses. We believe that ratepayers should know the issues that concern the community via the correspondence with councillors. None of this information is forthcoming in Glen Eira – in stark contrast to other councils. For example, in Stonnington, each set of minutes includes individual councillor reports on the correspondence they have received throughout the previous weeks. These range from petitions, to complaints about drains, traffic, planning, etc. In Glen Eira, there is no such transparency. We are attempting to remedy this – but rely on the assistance of readers. If you have received a response from any councillor, department and would like to forward us a copy of your exchange, then we will publish it. Anonymity will be maintained if requested.
Let us know what you think of this idea. As always, your suggestions for improvement are welcomed.
Glen Eira Debates 
May 20, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Wonderful idea the record to be kept for future reference and maybe Council may be encouraged to put these questions on their website also. I noted also in the “Peninsula Wide” the council newspaper for the Mornington Peninsula has a page called “Planning Watch” which includes section called “Your were invited to comment…now what’s happening?” which notes the applications, details and status of the applications. I thought this was wonderful, it gives an at a glance update rather than wading thru Minutes of meetings.
Good Work Glen Eira Debates
May 20, 2011 at 2:40 PM
Kingston council has also started a Mayor’s blog where he’s inviting direct comment from people on issues and events. They also use Facebook. Not ideal perhaps since so far it seems like reports on functions, but if used properly then this could become a direct avenue for people to leave their thoughts. Hope it’s not censored too much by too eager beavers.