PlanSJ good example of consultation process

The Telegraph Journal recently ran an editorial critical of the consultation process that is leading up to a new municipal plan.  The writer suggests council should be able to boil down what they hear from constituents into a new plan without such a process.

Today, the TJ ran a letter from local artist and active community member Sarah Jones rebutting the editorial’s claims and suggesting that PlanSJ is a useful process:

PlanSJ seems like dynamic initiative

Sure, everybody wants clean water and passable roads, but these demands do not amount to a sound, effective or long-term urban plan. Contrary to what you suggest in your editorial, it is not necessary to sacrifice a long-term plan for short-term necessities.

And when your newspaper calls so frequently for governmental transparency and public consultation, I find this editorial critique of PlanSJ odd. After meeting the Citizens Advisory Group, attending the launch last week and checking out the great storefront in Brunswick Square, PlanSJ strikes me as one of the most dynamic initiatives and extensive community engagement projects we have seen in this city. Too bad you can't see past the potholes.

SARAH JONES

Saint John

I tend to agree that too much consultation can be a way of avoiding decision making, but do believe that the city should be actively engaging citizens regarding the municipal plan and commend Ms. Jones on her letter.