Mayor says he's no spin doctor

By John Moorhouse Wednesday, January 31, 2007 http://www.pentictonherald.ca/article_2943.php

Mayor Jake Kimberley denies he's trying to muzzle the media with a new city policy regarding questions about the South Okanagan Event Centre.In a letter addressed to all media, the city has directed reporters to submit specific details regarding event centre questions in advance, "in writing if possible." This, it says, will allow the mayor an opportunity to gain any relevant documents or information from city staff ahead of time. However, the city reiterated its position that many documents related to the event centre may contain "proprietary information" which the city cannot disclose under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act. "From this point forward, the city will only consider requests for release of documents if they are submitted on the appropriate FOI request forms," the letter stated.

In an interview Tuesday (booked in accordance with the new policy), Kimberley explained the sole reason for the policy is establish a set process of handling the growing number of media inquiries about the event centre."We were getting bombarded from all sides," he said. "This city as it's growing, requires a more thorough process of getting information out to the media."Many of the contract and other documents relating to the event centre are confidential, he added."We've released as much information as we can," he said. "What we're saying now is 'If you wish to inquire beyond what we're giving you, then Freedom of Information has to be applied."

Kimberley said he is not attempting to gain an opportunity to massage his answers by knowing the media's questions in advance."The intent is to make sure we understand the question fully and that the right answer is given," he said.City council's decision in December to award a design-build contract to Giffels Partnership Solutions Inc., after project costs jumped by $17 million to $73.6 million since last summer, has been the subject of intense media and public scrutiny over the past few weeks.Kimberley said he is not trying evade such questioning. The policy is to ensure he can respond accurately and in a timely fashion. "There is no way I'm going to stifle the press," he said. "I'm a person who wants to communicate any interests the residents have as to how we're working things out."

The mayor said he will be readily available to comment on other issues. If, however, detailed information is required, the same process will be invoked.City administrator Leo den Boer said it all depends on the scope of issues such as the event centre."Because of the magnitude of the project, there's just so much information out there, we need to control it in some way," den Boer said.Kimberley said he is unaware of any information released to date about the event centre and the city's contract agreement with Giffels that was inaccurate or shouldn't have been made public.
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Don Quixote NOTE:
Don Quixote has applied to the BCLC and City of Penticton under FOI for document described below:

"Victoria played a key role in working out the casino revenue agreement and is a full partner in the pact. The deal is to be signed by the City of Penticton, Lake City Casinos, the B.C. Lottery Corp. and the provincial government.Kler said Lake City has agreed not to apply for any portion of the DAC funding during the next 13 years. "Casino cash is fine, but city still needs to hold referendum (PENTICTON)