(Submitted/Terra Lennox-Zepp)

By Glenn Hicks

Civic Election

Candidate and incumbent ‘shocked’ by lack of info at council meetings

Oct 10, 2020 | 10:00 AM

One of four contenders running for Ward 2 in the P.A. municipal elections next month says she has the ability to learn more about issues and decisions on behalf of the public. And Terra Lennox-Zepp says she’s shocked by the lack of information that comes to city councillors ahead of big decisions.

“As a lawyer I really believe that I am someone who is in a position to be able to ask the tough questions that need to be asked in these city council meetings,” the incumbent told paNOW.

Lennox-Zepp, who is seeking a second term, added she is shocked by how little information councillors had at their disposal.

“I am frequently shocked at the lack of information that we are being provided when we are expected to make decisions for the public. We as a city need to improve on that so we can meet the public’s expectations.”

For example, Lennox-Zepp explained the lack of comparative costing and financial analysis on alternative sites the city already owns were among reasons she voted against the $6.5 million land acquisition for the new recreation and aquatic centre.

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“How can we possibly be expected to do the public justice by making these enormous decisions for them? It’s quite shocking,” she said.

She highlighted her efforts the last four years in going door-to-door to ask residents for their feedback on issues facing city council ahead of final decision making, adding often there is a lack of information or very short notice before key votes.

“Members of the public want to know what’s going on before it happens… so they can make their needs known, and that helps us as a city to improve our decision-making,” Lennox-Zepp noted, adding she finds it very satisfying to help residents with their concerns and to consult with constituents.

If re-elected she said working to have police offer more proactive patrolling as a proven way to reduce crime would be among her priorities.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @princealbertnow