Elections
Some cities have committed recently to publishing their public data in an open format that citizens can directly access. Should Hamilton pledge to become an "open source city"? Why or why not?
Responses to the question: "Some cities have committed recently to publishing their public data in an open format that citizens can directly access. Should Hamilton pledge to become an "open source city"? Why or why not?"
In This Page:
16 Candidate Responses (top)
| Ward 02 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Brief Response | Full Response |
| Caplan, Marvin | No | Open Source data is one of many hundreds of issues that are dear to the hearts of many. Hamilton in the 1970s became a Nuclear Free City suggesting that nuclear submarines were not welcome here. Many believe that Hamilton should, as a city declare itself in favour of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.
We have a bylaw that forbids feeding pigeons. Previous Councils have passed resolutions that declared us an "International City." We are twinned with Cities in China, Japan, India, the US and more. All well intentioned. And, sometimes our leadership even works. The initiatives that I and others worked on to make Hamilton "second-hand smoke free" helped substantially in leading the Province to pass similar legislation. I am sure that your readers could come up with many other forgotten issues we have spent time and energy on, most unsuccessful and some, happily that made a difference. I could spend a few days reading about and discussing the open source issue with proponents and opponents. As we run up to October 25th, I believe your readers would prefer we talk about how to repair a dysfunctional council, poverty and illiteracy, community empowerment, and brownfield remediation, not to speak of the chasm separating rabid residential developers and adamant 'no new suburbs' environmentalists. |
| Casey, Paul | Yes | As I see it, there should be nothing to hide. We have entrusted our citizens with the very important responsibility to "Hire" us as their respective representatives through democratic process. The City in return must respect and honour their right, their needs, as our employers to ensure they know what their employees are doing. |
| Castle, John | Yes | Most definitely, many of the city's mega plans should be subjected to substantial cost/benefit analysis. |
| Chiarelli, Diane | Yes | It is of great public importance that our citizens can access public data. We can not say we are accountable or transparent unless the public can directly look at the information and data that affects their community and them. Many citizens feel decisions are made without them having access to information. Hamilton should commit to becoming an "Open Source City". |
| Coleman, Shane | Yes | I believe in the transparency of public data and government and that citizens of this city and any city should be able to access any information, data, budgets and especially any financial information, because the citizens of the city should be able to know what their Tax dollars are being used for, and for what purpose and should be able to see the results of their tax dollars at work. |
| Deans, Ian | Maybe | I'm not sure what the phrase "open source city" means in the context of municipal government. I will carefully review it and give you an answer later. |
| Farr, Jason | Yes | Wherever possible. Clearly some in-camera issues are in-camera for good reason (subjects may involve confidential real-estate, development, or investment matters, etc.)
However, I do believe accountability in government starts with transparency. It is encouraging to see groups like CATCH taking matters in hand, making notes, and analyzing each topic in council chambers. Open source city? Sure, whenever/wherever possible. |
| Geleynse, Martinus | Yes | I believe that the posting of public information will be a valuable aid in ensuring increased transparency and accountability in our municipal administration! |
| Gentile, Matteo | Yes | Transparency is essential. I believe much of the apathy felt towards politicians has to do with the lack of transparency. We need to change the culture and the "profession" of politics. I have raised the issue with Mayor Eisenberger. For example, have you ever tried reading through the minutes of council minutes, you only know of motions that pass or don't. It does not tell you WHO voted which way. And this is deliberate and unacceptable. Further, included in all that wasteful spending of $72MM in remodeling City Hall is an electronic system that council is to use that records their vote - and guess what - it is not used! Another good use of our money! |
| Hess, Erik | Yes | Sharing of data can bring value with open and up to date information. The cost is a concern, however this may well be off set, with the value added from timely and accurate information available to all equally. We must also be cognizant of what information and privacy issues should be taken into consideration. That said, we need to make public data as open and accessible as possible. |
| Ielasi, Pat | Yes | Absolutely, open and transparent government is the most credible government. We many not always agree with decisions made but if we have access to information we might be more understanding of decisions that have been made. |
| Janjic, Ned | Yes | Absolutely, all regular financial reports should be posted on the city's website. The most effective, timely and cost-efficient way to disseminate information to the public is through the internet and all reports generated by the City should be made available. |
| Jelly, Matt | Yes | Open source data is fundamental to open accessible transparent government. Communication and enhancing our technology at the City is a key campaign commitment of mine. Open source data delivers:
- Open source data sparks innovation by making information accessible - Open source data makes the City more sustainable through access by citizens and organizations to data to further the City's environmental, social, economic, and cultural goals - Open source data enhances communication, opens opportunities for service delivery improvements in true partnership with the business and citizen communities and is a pillar to stronger civic engagement - Open source data is a key initiative in leveling the playing field so citizens can use City data to provide feedback to Council on key community issues. |
| Lescaudron, Dawn | Yes | Yes. Without a doubt, we need transparency; we need to allow the citizens in, with no hidden agenda, no secret meetings. Open format is the way to go! A good councillor works for the citizens and they have every right to honest representation.
|
| Novak, James | Yes | I believe all citizens have the right to know. I believe we should all have the same access to information as our councillors, civic staff and special interest groups.
I have proposed, for Ward 2, a pilot project to engage the residents of Ward 2. I am proposing an online/mail-in pilot project, by which every elector will have access to all of the research reports on a specific issue that the councillor has access to; an online forum allowing residents of Ward 2 to discuss the issue among themselves; and, a unique code permitting residents of Ward 2 to vote on the issue directly. Those residents without access to a computer will have the option of a mail-in-vote. |
| Pipe, Charlie | Yes | Transparency is the key to City Council integrity. |
Response Summary (top)
| Brief Response | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 14 | 87.5% |
| No | 1 | 6.2% |
| Maybe | 1 | 6.2% |
3 Candidates Have Not Responded (top)
| Ward 02 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ferguson, Lloyd | ||
| Jones, Hoojung | ||
| Wright, Kevin | ||
