What is a pecuniary interest?

February 21st, 2008

We hear it at the beginning of every council meeting. “Are there any statements of a pecuniary interest?” But how many people really know the significance of this simple question?

The prime responsibility of elected officials is to act in the public interest. If a Council member has a pecuniary interest, it is possible that they will be influenced by it when contributing to debate, voting or performing other duties as a member of Council. Potentially a councillor could act to promote their own private interests, rather than the public good. Not only is this unethical…it is illegal.

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Posted in Personal Soapbox | 4 Comments »

Top Priorities for Guelph

February 11th, 2008

Following an extensive public strategic planning process, City Council and staff engaged in a priority setting exercise to determine exactly where our efforts should be focused. Our top priorities are listed below

  • Organics Facility
  • Community Energy Plan
  • Growth Management Plan
  • 20 minute transit service
  • York District Lands
  • Downtown Action Plan
  • Waste Management Plan
  • Urban Forest Strategy
  • City/County service agreements

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Posted in City Council | 2 Comments »