Halifax regional councillor Gloria McCluskey said she’s planning to boycott all closed-door meetings on Halifax’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games because she’s frustrated with the secrecy surrounding it, reports the Chronicle Herald.
McCluskey said the Commonwealth Games bid shouldn’t be discussed at council’s in-camera sessions at city hall because taxpayers deserve to know how their moneys is spent.
The newspaper reports that other councillors agree with McCluskey, who said she had real concerns adding, “I’d love to have the Commonwealth Games but let’s be realistic about it”.
McCluskey said the Commonwealth Games bid committee is missing a chance to gather greater public support because people are in the dark about what will be involved. She also is critical about people working on the committee who won’t even divulge what they’re paid.
Another councillor doubts the bid will last beyond the winter unless the committee shares more information. Councillor Andrew Younger said he doesn’t plan to support any Games initiatives that come before council without adequate details.
Scott Logan, CEO of Halifax’s 2014 Commonwealth bid, said members are prepared to meet with city council to answer questions at any time. According to the newspaper Logan urged patience in waiting for the committee to do its work before prematurely releasing information that could jeopardize the city’s bid.
The city’s deputy mayor said releasing too much detail about the bid could drive up contracting costs or pose other problems.
Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald said the province has to keep secret the amount it’s willing to chip in for the Games or the bid process would be jeopardized. He said “our commitment is to make sure, even in the bid itself, that these Games are affordable, that they have a lasting legacy for the province.
