LETTER: Lack of transparency and engagement by council is disappointing

Editor's note: Mr. Rennick writes as a follow-up to a previous open letter City’s financial practices reveal alarming trends.

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To the editor:

This email serves as a follow-up to the message I sent on December 11. To date, I have received two responses: one that initiated a discussion and another that simply acknowledged receipt of the email.

The city’s website emphasizes its commitment to engaging with residents' questions and comments. However, this experience feels like a repetition of previous years—an exercise that lacks genuine responsiveness or action.

When soliciting input from residents, it is essential to provide meaningful replies to their questions or, at the very least, explain why you agree or disagree with their comments. Anything less undermines the process and diminishes trust in local governance.

Additionally, the mayor has declined my request for a meeting involving senior officials to openly discuss and defend their ideas with someone capable of an informed debate. This lack of transparency and engagement is disappointing.

I am therefore reaching out to any council member willing to take a proactive role in the budget process. I request that such a council member arrange a meeting with the CAO and CFO so we can have an open and constructive discussion on these matters.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing from someone who is ready to engage meaningfully in this process.

Donald Rennick CPA, CA

North Bay