New Opportunity for Citizens to Participate in Local Government

Bridget Mearns, City Councillor, said that the Citizen Assembly is a great way to get more people interested and engaged in city politics that will impact their community.

The discussion on whether or not Councillors should serve as part-time or full-time staff first surfaced over two years ago. Since that time Councillors have decided that it is in the public’s best interest to have a say on the direction of city staff in a city that has increased by over 10 per-cent in the past five years.

Aleta Neufeld, City Clerk, said that changing the commitment required of Councilors and how much they are paid may affect who chooses to run for Council and encourages residents to come add their insight in a a decision with far reaching implications.

In order to serve on the Assembly, participants must receive an invitation package in the mail, be a Lethbridge resident aged 18 or over and commit to participating in three, day-long sessions. The Assembly will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 10, September 24 and October 8.

All Lethbridge residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Citizens’ Assembly by attending a public roundtable session to be held on October 6, 2016 at 6:30 in the City Hall foyer.

At this meeting, residents will learn about the progress of the Assembly and have a chance to share their views.

For more information on the Citizens’ Assembly, visit: www.lethbridge.ca/assembly.

by Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

New Opportunity for Citizens to Participate in Local Government

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