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Residents urge 'Ontario Public Integrity and Right to Know Act' after federal activity
Summary
Public commenters introduced a local transparency proposal — the "Ontario Public Integrity and Right to Know Act" — calling for campaign finance and lobbying disclosures, conflict-of-interest expansion and independent ethics oversight; speakers urged the council to schedule hearings and consider putting measures before voters.
At public comment, Chris Robles (Fair Ontario) introduced a draft "Ontario Public Integrity and Right to Know Act," saying residents deserve a government that earns their trust and urging new disclosure and oversight rules. "Every resident has a fundamental right to know how public decisions are made, who is influencing those decisions, and how taxpayer dollars and public resources are being used," Robles said.
Robles outlined components he wants in local reform: campaign finance and lobbying disclosures, expanded conflict-of-interest protections, detailed public access to contracts and land transactions, and independent ethics oversight. Several other commenters backed term limits and contribution caps; Xavier Hernandez said his organization submitted a petition signed by more than 100 residents requesting reforms and said campaign contribution limits would help make every resident's voice count.
Speakers connected the push for new rules to recent federal activity involving an elected official and subpoenas to the airport. Several speakers said the measures should be developed in public town halls and, if appropriate, put to a public vote. The council agreed to place related items on the next agenda for further study and staff reporting.
