New advertising bylaw will conceal the workings of city hall

By Letter to the Editor on April 6, 2021.

Editor:
Re:City Council Approves Bylaw 6251 Amendments for Less Transparency
On January 12, 2021, Lethbridge Council passed a motion to “save money” and to “bring the bylaw into the 21st Century” by reallocating print advertising to social media.
We believe this amendment will further conceal, rather than reveal, the workings of City Hall.
Lethbridge taxpayers look for local news in a variety of places. Some read the Lethbridge Herald, some listen to local radio, some watch televised news, and others rely on social media. Anyone concerned with City of Lethbridge issues would benefit from more information, distributed across all the various media.
Given how tightly information is held at City Hall, we would appreciate a greater effort and yes, even more spending to disseminate information! Not watering down the little that is now shared. We are looking at comparative pennies here, when at issue are hundreds of millions of dollars spent annually!
Ignoring advocacy by Councillors Parker, Hyygen and Mauro, and despite the recommendation of City Solicitor Loewen that more public input was required, a majority of Council nevertheless voted against further public engagement sessions.
Council then voted to reduce advertising in print media.
Transparency? Accountability? Citizen involvement?
Guess not.
Jeffrey DeJong
Lethbridge Transparency Council