Push To Report In-Camera Voting

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM  Monday, 24 September 2012 21:27

A Vernon councillor wants a change to how in-camera votes are reported. Bob Spiers has served a notice of motion to discuss the issue at the next council meeting in October. "It's just open government, and I don't think anyone should have to hide behind in-camera on how they voted on a particular subject." The votes are currently kept secret including the recent one on Vernon's bid to seek Ironman Canada. Spiers wants it to be part of the public record how members voted when in-camera matters are de-classified. He's aware of one other BC council that considered this change. "The only other one that even attempted it was Nanaimo, and they voted 6 to 3 not to do it on a regular basis, but they still would have the right on every vote done in-camera to do it on a vote by vote basis. " Spiers says with all the information being de-classified, why not de-classify the vote as well.
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 Nanaimo rejects amendment to release in camera votes

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Demands for transparency surface at Vernon city hall
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 25, 2012 3:00 AM
A glimmer of light may be shed on some proceedings at Vernon city hall. Coun. Bob Spiers has brought forward a notice of motion that calls on councillors' voting records in private meetings to be made public once the final outcome is declassified. "It's good and open government," said Coun. Bob Spiers. While some councillors have previously disclosed how they have voted in-camera, there is some question as to whether they are breaking provincial legislation by disclosing details from a private session. The issue of how councillors have voted in-camera recently surfaced with decisions on not renewing a service contract with Okanagan Landing firefighters and bidding on Ironman Canada. Spiers says there is a need for clear rules. "Nobody should have to hide behind in-camera on how they voted," he said. Spiers' notice of motion will be considered by council Oct. 9.