Easy To Skip The Public: CRERAR

Recently, Bulldog readers have expressed disappointment over the fact the city’s Housing Innovation Task Force, comprised of “experts” from the fields of development and construction, lacks public representation.

But how should a citizen or group of citizens be chosen to participate and would their participation add any value?

Think back to the last public meeting you attended. You were likely jammed into a room, filled to capacity with a group of concerned citizens, listening to a member of city staff discussing facts outlined on a PowerPoint presentation looming behind them. When they were finished speaking, the floor was opened to members of the audience so they could ask questions.

After five or so questions, time expired and those in attendance were asked to submit further comments, questions and concerns through the city’s website. What happens to the feedback submitted? Is it read, discussed, considered or does it simply make its way directly to file 13? Sorry, “virtual” file 13, via the “Delete” button on a staffer’s computer keyboard.

City staff and council seem to show little interest in residents’ involvement in public matters. If there is a requirement for the public to participate in task forces, the first question that comes to mind is: What skills should participants possess to be given a seat at the table? Certainly in the housing task force example, the participants wouldn’t need to be experts in the areas of development and building, since the task force should already have a wealth of knowledge in these areas.

Many citizens would want to participate in the task force to a) learn how a task force operates, and b) help find answers to a difficult housing problem. The question that follows next is: “How would the city choose public representatives from amongst those interested in participating?”

These are difficult questions for those who suggest creation of a task force. It’s far easier to just avoid the idea of public participation altogether.

And that’s the choice the Housing Innovation Task Force took.

Howard Crerar is a project manager and has worked in the software industry for three decades.

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