Comox Council endorsed a ‘Coffee with Councillors’ concept in a motion at the Town’s April 15 council meeting. The idea was put forward by Coun. Hugh MacKinnon. MacKinnon noted that Comox citizens already have good access to mayor and council.
“The mayor has an open door policy, mayor and council have their email addresses listed on the Town of Comox’s website and mayor and councillors presently individually and informally meet individual constituents regularly,” he said.
“The intent with the ‘Coffee with Councillors’ concept is to quarterly, offer informal opportunities for Comox citizens to chat with councillors in a non-formal setting creating another opportunity for public engagement. Local coffee shops such as Comox Grind, Twisted Dishes, Amantes, Quality Foods, Comox Mall and Highland School were suggested as potential coffee meeting sites.
This idea was promoted by some councillors during the election campaign and requested by some citizens.
“Questions and concerns could be raised, the public could bring ides on how to improve the Comox community, referrals to appropriate Town Staff could be made by councillors in a relaxed atmosphere where citizens might feel more comfortable. To avoid a quorum,which would constitute a formal council meeting, less than four councillors only could attend Coffee with Councillors.
“I was very pleased to see the mayor and my council colleagues endorse this opportunity to connect informally with citizens enabling another opportunity for public input,” said MacKinnon.
Participation by councillors would be voluntary not mandatory. The intent is that dates will be publicized through the Town website and through local media.
“We want to give this idea a try for a year then review its merit,” MacKinnon added, “Tea drinkers are most welcome too!”
The first Coffee with Comox Councillors will be Friday April 24, 10:30 a.m. at Quality Foods in Comox.