London's Festivals

London's summer rolls out such a variety of Festivals. And we are privileged to see and hear a wide range of great artists both local and international. Whether you take in London's International Children's Festival, SunFest or Home County Folk Festival and many have said, it was their best ever this year Londoners are an appreciative crowd.

Coming up we have Rock the Park, Rib-Fest, London Pride Festival and then Festival of India Afrofesta, Festa Italiano, East Coast Festival, and on to LOLA in September and Lighting the Lights in November. I name just a few. Recently on the Festival Review Committee, we found festival culture alive and well. City staff meet at least once a year with festival owners and the community or as requested to discuss on going programing, logistic and scheduling. Interestingly with two big festivals behind us neither SunFest nor Home County sort to extend their hours.

Council Chambers & Accountability

Londoners have long been concerned by the fact that they cannot see or even hear what is going on at Council. They also want to know how their councillers are voting. Londoners also seek a public posting of topics under discussion. Last year a Governance Task Force reported to Council their concerns on these very issues.

The Task Force strongly recommended priority be given to improve public accessibility to Council proceedings. This means posting of the topic under discussion; electronic voting so that you know who voted for what; live stream recording of proceedings and the ability to see the councillors faces during debates. Other recommendations included reducing the use of paper agendas, currently an environmental issue to say the least, and accessability to The Council Chambers.

Council voted unanimously for recommendations to upgrade chambers sighting the need for public access to information and proceedings. Given the current chamber was never public friendly, even in the 70's, it is high time the public see what is transpiring in their City. I welcome the upgrades that will bring us to the 21st century for all constituents to benefit. Our Council must literally be seen to be accountable.