An age of greater transparency and openness at City Hall was the promise that many on Saint John’s current common council campaigned on – and some of that sentiment is coming to fruition.
Council voted last night to publish a so-called Sunshine List enumerating the salaries and benefits of city employees. Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News it’s already done on the provincial level for those making more than $100k annually.
Under current provincial legislation, salary ranges can be published – but not specific numbers – as well as the names of employees. Norton says the list will provide the greatest degree of transparency allowed under the law.
Common Councillor Susan Fullerton, referred to the idea as a balancing act between transparency for the sake of the citizens who pay, and the rights of employees who are entitled to a measure of privacy.
