The intent behind open source government is a fantastic concept in theory, as free and easy access to information is most definitely the way that technology can help improve the democratic process, particularly at the local. That being said, you’ll have to excuse my skepticism on the impact that the concept will have on garnering greater engagement from the public.
This guy’s pedigree is very intriguing, and with the Mayor’s Greenest City Action Team coming out with a concrete set of recommendations this fall, it will be very interesting to see how much he brings with him from his Chicago experience. Could the plans that have been in the works since January be dramatically shifted as a result of this hiring?
I am a firm believer in the anonymity that the Internet can offer bloggers and users as a whole. However, if this particular web presence emanating from Ottawa’s City Hall is slandering people’s good names and breaking the confidence of their public service duties, then he or she should be prepared for the full consequences of litigation.
And finally, as grating as the political grandstanding of Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan can be at times (particularly when it comes to what he sees as competing interests with those of Vancouver), I would not advise this kind of competition between two neighbouring Paris suburb Mayors for Kingsway.
