Taupo leads Hamilton
A Hamilton city councillor’s suggestion that meetings be televised to connect better with ratepayers hasn’t impressed her colleagues.
Angela O’Leary has suggested web cameras be installed in the council chambers and committee rooms. She said it would make meetings more accessible and get more people involved. Her proposal comes after Taupo District Council’s decision to start filming its meetings later this month.
She said people often missed out on heated debates at the full council meetings at night because much of the debating was done in committee meetings during the day when people were at work.
“There’s still a chance that items from the committee meetings will be called and debated during the full council meetings. Still, no-one shows. And really, why would you? They’re on a Wednesday night at 7.30pm. We’re competing with Packed to the Rafters and Cougar Town.”
Ms O’Leary said when she raised her suggestion privately with colleagues on Tuesday she was shocked by some of their reactions.
“Some refused to be on camera.
“Comments like `crap’ and `stupid idea’ even. When I asked what they were afraid of they just scoffed at me.”
Councillor Glenda Saunders told the Waikato Times it was a “non issue” and branded it a “cute little publicity stunt”.
She wanted questions answered around price, technology and who would watch it before she made a decision about it. Councillor Peter Bos said it would be like watching paint dry.
They don’t get it. It is not about entertainment value – it is about accountability and scrutiny.
Taupo District Council, the first council in New Zealand to install a web cam, will broadcast its first meeting on July 20. The council has signed up to a six-month free trial and, if it decides to continue live broadcasts will pay $4500 for the initial set up and $400 a month for operation costs.
Mayor Rick Cooper said it was a small price to pay for transparency and he thought the idea was going to spread like “wild fire” across the country.
Incredibly cheap.
I’d love to see it in place at Wellington City Council. Some Crs might behave better if their temper tantrums were open for all to see on You Tube.