an article written by Harvey Smith for August/September 2004 issue of Cobblestones
Our former mayor had the right direction with many of his policies.  His support fo the arts and his policies on urban renewal were admirable. And he certainly was an excellent spokesperson for Winnipeg on the national stage. But he also did his best to increase the democratic deficit at City Hall. He had an Executive Policy Committee rehearsal in his office before each regular meeting of the Executive Police his office before each regular E.P.C. meetings were really presentations to the reporters, and there was unanimity at all times.
Glen Murray ensured this by booting off (during his early days in office of the E.P.C.) two councillors who disagreed with him a time or two. The strongest divergence of views at a few Executive Policy Committee meetings came from Bill Clement who sallied forth with, "I have a concern." No one of E.P.C. spoke their mind during the Glen Murray period, as they wanted to protect their extra stipends of $12,847.64 for being a member of the Executive Policy Committee.
The seven members of the E.P.C. (Glen Murray's gang) would remain a solid block at council meetings. Clen only need on additional vote from non-E.P.C. members to pass anything his heart desired at a council meeting. During Glen Murray's term, he made all the decisions.
Now we have a new mayor. The question remains. Will our spanking new mayor behave in the Murray fashion? Will Sam Katz treat his Executive Policy Committee members like puppets? Time will tell. That is why I called for the release of the Public Use Facility Study during the recent mayorality election. This study, two years in the making at a cost of $500,000, examined the health of our facilities and their future use by our citizens. It suggests the closing of our 300 facilities to provide library services and recreational activities. This study should have been the basis for a public debate during our civic election. Glen Murray's appointed Executive Policy Committee refused to release this report as they believe it was too complex an issue for public input during an election campaign. The public be damned.
Let's all pray that our new mayor really is a new mayor and that he rejects the Murray's affront to democracy.
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