Citizen comments in the polling research city had done reflect much of the reality - the city just isn't very good at listening and either isn't interested or doesn't know how to listen.

By Staff

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Does city council know how to listen?

Forum Research asked the 771 people they interviewed a number of questions about how people relate to the city they pay taxes to.

Citizen delegating before his municipal council – their advice is seldom taken.

Respondents were given an opportunity to identify any other priorities for the City of Burlington to focus on that were not addressed throughout the questionnaire. Specifically, they were asked: “Is there anything else that you feel should be a priority that perhaps we’ve overlooked?” The large majority of respondents did not offer any additional input. For this reason, the results have not been included in this report.

However Forum Research provided a list of the kinds of comments that were made to the question:

Is there anything else that you feel should be a priority that perhaps we’ve overlooked? Forum Research recorded all that was said.

A: Those who were asked the general statement:   I would like to provide input to the City of Burlington for the purpose of influencing decision- making about city projects and services made the following responses:
B: Those who were given the following general statement:  Residents have enough opportunities to provide input into decision-making about city projects and services, responded with.

C. Those who were given the following general statement;  The city does a good job of engaging residents in decision-making about city projects and services responded with.

D. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city uses input from residents in decision-making about city projects and services”, responded with:

E. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city’s decision-making about projects and services is reflective of the voice of a majority of residents”, responded with.

F. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city would welcome my opinion when making decisions about city projects and services that impact me”, responded with:

The tone and content of these remarks just don’t align with the statements members of Council are making.  These are not the words of happy campers.

Council appears to looked for the parts of the report that back up what they want to think and pass along to their constituents – it’s not what is in the report.