Website raises questions
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Updated: June 22, 2009 1:32 PM
It appears that a Coldstream councillor's blog goes well beyond that of a personal website with what looks to be the District of Coldstream's approval. All of council's pictures are posted on the councillor's site, stating: Coldstream Council at Your Service! with a direct link to the official Coldstream website.
We have to ask the question, does the site, which is run by a Coldstream councillor, his personal website, advance a political agenda and does it reflect the conditions of a private website?
For instance, can we, you, post pictures on our, your sites with a direct link to the official Coldstream website, if so; we would be more than happy to have them aboard, along with our political point of view?
Again, the site, run by a Coldstream councilor, often carries personal comments of the councillor, and group with what appears to be a distinct political bent. Does Coldstream council subscribe to this site by virtue of the fact they are directly linked to it?
Again and again, the site appears to promote one political point of view with links, comments and ranting, this, all subscribed by your Coldstream council? Further, does this mean everyone linked to the councilor's personal website, the local newspapers, radio stations and other various feeds, which includes yet another link to a councillor's website, subscribe to the councilor's ranting and his political views?
The disclaimer aside, it appears the Coldstream councillor's blog does not represent the average Coldstream citizen and is indeed not a personal website as such but acts as a platform for private political views and advances a personal political agenda using the councilor's moniker with the tacit approval of Coldstream council?
Further, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, which gives expression to the high ideals and traditions in the public service clearly states under Political Rights: Public employees have a responsibility to avoid participation in partisan politics that is likely to impair the political neutrality of the public service or the perception of that neutrality.
Under The Public Interest: Public employees should resolve any conflict between their personal or private interests and their official duties in favour of public interest. Under Service to the Public: Public employees should provide service to the public in a manner which is courteous, equitable, efficient and effective.
Under Public Interest: Public employees should be sensitive to the political process and knowledgeable about the laws and traditions regarding political neutrality that are applicable to their sphere of employment.
We understand that politicians at any level need to have a platform to get information out to the public, to clarify policy and to arouse debate on issues before them. However, promoting personal political views clearly violates the high ideals and tradition of public service and may even leave the councillor open to ramifications.
We believe the council member has gone well beyond what is arguably his duty and is using a forum that is/is not associated with his office?
L. Dunlop
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