Mayor Paterson disagrees, says democracy is thriving
A local watchdog group has given the City of Kingston low grades for transparency and accountability, but Mayor Bryan Paterson disagrees, saying the city is a model of democracy.
Paterson said the feedback he's received from the public has been positive, adding there's been more engagement by residents than in previous years.
The Coalition of Kingston Communities released its annual report card, giving the city C and D grades for public input and decision-making. The group says recent changes have limited public delegations, made city websites harder to navigate, and ignored community feedback, especially on planning issues.
The report also criticized the lack of follow-up reports, including financial details on the Waaban Crossing two years after its opening. City council received a D for climate action but earned better marks for transit and higher government advocacy.
The coalition says Kingston must improve transparency to strengthen trust in local government.
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