Congrats Clr Neher - For Your Report of Jan. 23

One of my goals for creating this blog was so the citizens of Ramara can know what their elected officials are up to. When the actions of our elected representative are substandard, I will tell you and my reasons why. When their actions are noteworthy, I feel that it is equally important that you know this to. This is one of those good points.

At the Feb. 12th meeting of Ramara council, Ward 3 Clr Neher tendered a report about the Jan. 23rd a meeting of the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce she attended. The members of Ramara council are appointed to boards or volunteer their time to represent the interests of the township at various external bodies. They are not paid a salary to attend, but are reimbursed the mileage they incur.

I support these actions as it is important that the interests of Ramara need to be represented. Networking is a powerful information gathering tool, and key findings will be used in creating new policies, or to update and improve existing ones.

That said, I would also like to know that our representatives are taking an leading role at these meetings and that they are not there just for the coffee and donuts. By tabling a report to council of their key findings from these meetings, they demonstrate to the ratepayers in Ramara the tangible benefits from their participation. At this time, I don't believe councillors are required to actually report their findings. I have heard some councillors make oral presentations. Clr. Neher's report is the first written example that comes to my mind. You should note that I have only been attending various council sessions since September '06.

I would support a resolution that would make it manditory the tabling of a report whenever a councillor attends any function for which they are eligible for reimbursement of costs. This resolution would also mandate that somewhere in this report, that the attendee itemizes all costs for which they request reimbursement.

In this way their participation is open and transparent.

One point of interest in Clr. Neher's report was where noted the concern raised by another participant over the recent pay increases for Orillia Councillors. That person made reference for the need to create of a steering committee to review pay issues. I find this to be ironic given the actions by Ramara's council approving 41% pay and expense increase. I would support a resolution that would create a similar body in Ramara.

Thank you Clr Neher. Your actions here should be a model for your fellow councillors to copy.