The Hamiltonian half-jokingly tweeted that it would be a good idea to bring a motion to simply practice integrity. Clr. Farr responded "good one".
And on the heels of that, a good example of practicing integrity, on the ground, in the form of a principled position taken by Clrs. Clark and McHattie, follows. According to a C.A.T.C.H. release, Clark and McHattie refused invitations to private dinners with the Hamilton Halton Home Builders Association, which is a break from historical practice.
“I also want you all to understand that I have declined dinner invitations with the Hamilton Halton Home Builders Association in my capacity as chair,” Clark announced “I don’t feel that that it was appropriate to be meeting with them.”
He went on to say that “our staff have graciously agreed that they will follow the same lead and make sure that if there’s systemic items that they are wanting to deal with in terms of policies, they should be coming before us presenting it publicly”.
Clark and McHattie's position, serve as an example of good statecraft and integrity being practiced on the ground. Having private meetings can lead to either perceived or real conflict of interest situations. Based on contemporary definitions of "conflict of interest", engaging in an activity that may be perceived to be a conflict of interest, makes it a conflict of interest.
The Hamiltonian salutes Clr. Clark and Clr. McHattie for practicing good state-craft. You can read more about this matter by clicking here and here.
Teresa DiFalco, Publisher
The Hamiltonian
Good call Clarke. Perception in politics is everything!!
ReplyDeleteIntegrity
ReplyDelete1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
Let's hope this type of thing catches on.
ReplyDeleteWe have to think about this for a minute. If the chair of social services had an annual lunch with the John Howard Society executive, would that not be seen as prudent connecting with stakeholders in the community? We have to be careful of confusing useful and prudent connections with people outside of city hall with influence peddling. In fact I comfortably trust Brad Clark and Brian McHattie to have lunch or coffee or supper with a wide range of community stakeholders where informative conversations can take place without the kind of posturing and grandstanding that takes place in committee and council meetings.
ReplyDeleteTurkstra makes a good point but, I also trust Clark and McHattie to have deemed these meetings inappropriate. This article, to the best of my read, did not generalize but took this one example. This one example is with a community of stakeholders that have, in the past, dominated the landscape. Clark and McHattie were right to say no. Here's an idea- request a meeting at city hall. No private dinners.
ReplyDeleteSorce
100% agree.
DeleteBig diff between a private dinner and lunches with non profit agencies.
Just sayin
I agree with you Sorce. This was the right call by Clark and McHattie. I have always admired Mr. McHattie.
DeleteSevern
Hats off to these two counselors!
ReplyDeleteWell,my councillor attended and wanted these meetings. But she also lead the pack with donations from developers/corps. Connect the dots.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for her to hold a town hall meetings with the people. That would be an idea.
If you want town hall meetings in this Ward, we will need to put a new Councillor in place at the next election. This Councillor has not and will not put herself in a position to be accountable. I for one will help lead the charge to have this person out of office.
DeleteI agree with Mr.Turkstra,luncheons,dinners & social events are part of the political arena. Our elected officials should ( I would hope ) know the differance between right & wrong & what is ethically acceptable & act accordingly!Kudo's to Clarke & McHattie all the same!
ReplyDeleteWhy does dinner, lunch or breakfast have to be involved. can't people think without eating? Book a meeting at city hall if you have something to say!
ReplyDeletePeople in various professions have lunch or dinner meetings all the time...I think they call it time utilization & effective time mgmt.I can't see the problem with effectively managing ones time & conducting business over a meal as long as one acts responsibly & ethically!
ReplyDeleteMeetings with developers are an entirely different arena than meetings with business people. There is an agenda with developers. There are conditions attached to these meetings. It is is proven that any Councillor that bites at these invitations end up at the end of their puppet strings. If you want to see the proof for yourself, look at the campaign contributions of some. Councillor Maria Pearson was called out last year by her collegue Councillor Brad Clark for attending these "secret meetings". I would encourage any reader to look at Maria Pearson's campaign contribution list!
ReplyDeleteDonna
Councillor Pearson has plenty of time to attend meetings with developers, but has no time to respond to issues on this site. Time for change.
ReplyDeleteGreat reading!
ReplyDeleteToronto Tonto
Just catching up with my favourite read. You're right Teresa. We don't need people coming to to waste our money on to talk top council about Integity. The ones that are playing too cozy with certain stakeholders should be investigated. Start with the listing of campaign contributions and go from there.
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarc
Developers have too much pull in this city because of the councillors who take part of this "pay off" dinners. Shame on any of the councillors who have or will continue to partake in these type of " meeting deals". I commend Councillors McHattie and Clark for doing the right thing and declined. Integrity at its best.
ReplyDeleteRon S.
Ahhh, another refreshing and logical read.
ReplyDeleteMC