To the editor,
Re: City of Nanaimo puts in place bylaw limiting recording of council meetings, April 10.
The newly passed bylaw that bans public recording of city council meetings – and even on city-owned properties – is an alarming attack on democratic transparency.
Recording public meetings is a basic right in a free society. It allows citizens to document, discuss, and hold elected officials accountable. This bylaw risks violating charter-protected freedoms and sends the wrong message: that council fears scrutiny more than it values openness.
Claiming this is about staff safety is a red herring. True threats should be dealt with directly – not by silencing the public. A recording ban won’t prevent harm. But it will erode trust, suppress transparency, and make citizens feel excluded from their own government.
This whole little charade has clearly been put forward by staff, who seem to think it will keep them safe which is a false sense of security. Those who do pay attention really are questioning whose interest council is concerned with? Spending nearly $2 million for plans you don’t have permission to finance, deciding you weren’t giving away enough tax dollars to the clubs at Long Lake and just recently ‘holding your nose’ and keeping $30 million-plus in the regional district’s plan for something taxpayers rejected. Oh then there is the end run attempt around the AAP?
It is little wonder this council led by staff will do as much as they can to keep taxpayers out of the decision-making process. What’s next, a moat around city hall?
Reverse this bylaw. Recommit to open governance. The public is watching – and we have every right to.
Jim Taylor, Nanaimo
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press Media or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters will not be published.
Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7
Fax: 250-753-0788
E-mail: editor@nanaimobulletin.com
