Good afternoon Albert,
Thank you for your prompt response and I will pass on your response to those raising the issue with me and assuming that I was present. From all accounts attendance was disappointing as I’m sure you’ll agree. Likewise, with only seven (7) Aldermen in attendance, and that only barely quorum was in attendance, that too is very disappointing given the Aldermen’s representational role.
The absentees noted by some contacting me find these lack of attendances particularly disappointing given their representational role. There has to be a better way for all Aldermen to make themselves openly accountable once a year. Indeed, there are 21st C methods by which meetings such as AGMs can be made more accessible and thus enabling greater participation.
It has also been drawn to my attention that the meeting was very poorly promoted/marketed. That may well be a subjective assessment but attendances would seem to bear out such an observation – and understandably so.
I, along with those contacting me, urge Council to consider a more inclusive, more participatory, 21st C mechanism via which constituents can engage with their representatives and hold them to account. Given that the AGM will be an Agenda Item Dec 12 I urge you to consider reimagining Council’s AGM in a 21st C context towards making it more inclusive.
Regards,
Ray
Dear Ray,
Thank you for your email dated 7 December 2016 regarding the City of Launceston AGM.
In answer to your query there was a quorum of 7 Aldermen in attendance.
You are welcome to check the attendance on our website, where you will find both the attendance and minutes of the AGM.
The AGM report will be presented at the December 12 Council Meeting, which of course you are welcome to attend.
Yours sincerely
Albert van Zetten
MAYOR
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