Cyber democracy rules at Pearson board

Every city should follow Pearson's lead and start streamlining a live webcast of their public meetings as well as archiving them (even for a short period) so people can watch from anywhere to see how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent prudently, what great projects are being proposed and to hear all the key issues being debated at these meetings. Since everyone cannot attend these meetings in person, it would be great for parents and voters to have the ability to watch from the comfort of their home (or office if they are working late). The whole Pearson meeting will be broadcast via the Internet, including the public question period, giving other parents a chance to hear what is bothering fellow parents so they can keep on top of potential problems and perhaps even offer solutions.

While it is true city council and school board meetings are open to the public, members of the public don't often show up in great numbers so the work of our school commissioners and city councillors are not always appreciated or monitored.

Aside from the public meetings, the Pearson board plans to use its new webcast abilities for pedagogical reasons.

Municipalities could also find other uses for the webcast technology, from the broadcast of news conferences to information sessions with in-house experts, such as horticulturalists.

Let's give credit where credit is due. On Monday, Pearson became the first school board in Quebec to offer a live streamlining webcast of its public meeting. Hopefully, the webcasts will improve transparency and provide the public with a better understanding of what school commissioners have to deal with and how they go about making decisions. Remember, even if you don't have kids in the public system, the Pearson board administers about $245 million in public funds. So voters should pay attention. Let's hope West Island municipalities keep an eye on what's going on at the school board and hook up with cyber democracy.