The attitude that council’s role is to move forward at all costs stems from the mistaken belief that its business is apolitical. It\u0027s not.
But as the speech went on, the new mayor delved deeper into what he saw as the real problem in politics: the “disturbing trend” of competing ideologies.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc.
The attitude that led to these decisions, that council’s role is to move forward at all costs, stems from the mistaken belief that such council business is somehow apolitical. But decisions made in a political space are political. Even decisions as seemingly minute as priorities in snow-clearing, accessible sidewalks, or the timing of garbage pickup are made because decision makers have an ideology, whether they acknowledge it or not.
Let’s be honest; everyone has an ideology — and disagreement isn’t inherently harmful. Calling people “divisive, “ideological” or “uncollaborative,” as was common in the last term of council, should not be used to dismiss legitimate concerns or uphold the status quo of austerity politics. Our local institutions should encourage healthy and thoughtful debate, not discourage it.
One proposition, for example, could be for council to elect “city council speakers” as the City of Toronto and multiple cities across the United States have done. Having a meeting chair who is directly elected by council, as opposed to automatically appointing the mayor to lead city council meetings could reduce skepticism about the chair’s neutrality, and encourage more open and fair debate.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ottawa police say woman and man wanted in connection with assault identifiedOttawa police say a woman and a man suspected of assaulting someone in Old Stittsville in October have been identified.
Read more »
Ottawa police seek to ID woman and man involved in reported assault in Old StittsvilleOttawa police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman and a man suspected of assaulting someone in Old Stittsville in October. ottnews
Read more »