Ramsay disagrees on in-camera discussion
Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Nov 08/00) - Before the new council was sworn in Monday night, controversy ignited over an in-camera discussion earlier that afternoon.
The Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee, an all-council committee, met at noon on Monday for the first time.
Items on the agenda included a discussion on seating arrangements for councillors, a presentation on a review of the Public Works and Engineering Department, and an in-camera discussion regarding the appointment of the deputy mayor, assistant deputy mayor and the chairpersons and members of the various council committees.
Prior to the meeting, city administrator Max Hall, when questioned by Yellowknifer, said discussions concerning council appointments would be held behind closed doors because it was a personnel matter.
As the meeting commenced, Coun. Dave Ramsay expressed concern about the in-camera item, stating any discussions on council appointments should be heard by the public.
"I think we should be as transparent as possible," he said.
But Ramsay's view was not shared by other councillors.
Coun. Kevin O'Reilly said the same matter had been discussed in-camera when the previous council came into office. He said the closed-door session would only involve discussions and the ultimate decision would come before council that evening.
Wendy Bisaro and Robert Hawkins agreed with the majority.
Bisaro said in order for council members to give an honest evaluation, the discussions should take place in-camera. Hawkins said he would not object as long as it was "strictly in the discussion phase."
Following Monday night's council meeting, Ramsay said he didn't think there was any reason why the noon-hour discussions should not have been heard by the public.
"It probably was a little bit more orderly and functional in camera, but I always think anything you can keep in the open you might as well keep it in the open.
"It didn't really hurt my feelings or anything to see it go behind closed doors, but at the same point in time it still keeps them thinking about (openness)," he said.
In 1997, when Ramsay was beginning his first term on city council, discussions on council appointments took place during an out of town retreat.
Ramsay did say that council members are more comfortable and more willing to speak freely during in-camera discussions. However, sometime in the future, he hopes all Yellowknifers will be permitted to hear discussions on council appointments.
"I'm sure some other people might want to have seen it, see how it happens ... how this person becomes deputy mayor or how this person becomes chair of a certain committee.
"It's kind of a mystery to people," said Ramsay.
Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he does not believe the public should have heard the discussion because it was a personnel matter.
"With one of the committees there was some discussion that was a lot more comfortable in-camera.
"The more we can have open, the better, but if it does involve somebody's reputation then I would prefer to protect that person," said Van Tighem.
