Moncton City Councillor Paul Pellerin says he was surprised at the request to adopt a communication policy at the Committee of the Whole meeting yesterday.
It suggested any media requests for comment from Councillors should be directed to Corporate Communications, “I was surprised that there was a recommendation to adopt the policy. The City manager had stated that it was great that we had an open discussion, but as Councillor Butler pointed out, it wasn’t a discussion, it was a recommendation, to adopt a policy.”
He says this would go against his beliefs, “Just my thoughts, it would basically be massaging or controlling the message, which I don’t believe in. Everyone on Council says we are open and transparent, which I believe and I believe it is every citizens right to communicate with their elected officials and get their opinions without being vetted by someone else.”
Concerns were also raised by Councillors Paulette Theriault, Shawn Crossman and Bryan Butler.
Councillor Paul Pellerin also made a statement on his Facebook page. He commented, “I will not be muzzled nor will I be supporting or following this policy. I was elected to represent the citizens of Ward 4 and will continue to be open and transparent. If the media and or anyone wants to contact me please do so.“
Pellerin says at the end of the meeting, the recommendation was tabled which means, it will be set aside, and modifications can be made for a later date, or it just won’t be brought up again..
