Prince George, B.C. – Should members of Council be allowed to have internet access when they are in a Committee or Council meeting?

That’s the question placed on the plate of Prince George City Council. Research indicates that of 18 B.C. cities polled, only four make it available, but its only utilized in two. The concerns are that Councilors could be talking with each other or sharing new information at times when that window is supposed to be closed. There is also concern that if there is discussion via e-mail, will that destroy the requirement that meetings be “open”?

Councilor Cameron Stolz wanted to have access to the web, saying Councilors should be able to have access to the most up to date information available. 

Mayor Dan Rogers wanted the matter defeated so a policy could be developed before such access is permitted.

Councilor Murry Krause agreed, saying he would like to see a policy so that the public can be assured there is a policy in place. Councilor Don Bassermann says it is the communication between Councilors or between Councilors and constituents during a touchy public hearing process that is his concern “As soon as the public learns it has access to us in that kind of environment, there will be some who will try to take advantage of that.” He says he has no difficulty with the intent of the request, but he would like to see a policy first “I like to get it right the first time rather than to have to try and fix something.”

Councilor Dave Wilbur didn't want to wait for a policy “At the end of the day it is common sense that will prevail and we have an abundance of that.”

City Manager Derek Bates says a policy could be prepared and delivered to Council June 15^th.

Mayor Rogers says while he sees there is a desire to get on with this, but in his own personal experience he will never use the internet, “I for one have never said, in all the years I have been on Council, that if only |I had access to the internet I would have made a better decision.  I will never use the internet, I’m too busy listening, and turning to our staff who are the experts on the material. I still believe part of my responsibility here is that we should defeat this, and if there is still a  desire to move forward, give Administration enough time to develop the policy and we will be among the leaders.”

The Mayor did not get his wish as the motion, calling for internet access by June 15th,  was passed, although the Mayor, Councilors Don Bassermann, Brian Skakun and Murry Krause are on record as opposed.

Once passed, Councilor Stolz tried to give an addition saying if staff wanted to come back with a policy, that would be acceptable, but the Mayor said no “I would suggest the matter has been approved without the need for a policy and to now ask for a policy would be extremely discourteous to our staff and to everyone in this Chamber.”