Transparency is a critical part of Bob’s platform. Both being transparent, and improving the transparency and trust in City Hall.
Campaign Finance
Bob's Commitment
Bob Bell has committed to not accepting developper donations throughout his campaign, and publishing a list of his donors over $100 before the election. Bob's vote is not for sale. Learn more about this pledge here: https://youtube.com/shorts/QznpbyQE_v4.
Why Not Accepting Developer Donations is especially important in this term of council
Bob is asked often, "why should I care if developers donate to your campaign?" Here is an example of how it's impacting Ward 1 right now.
Previously, Bob shared information about the community's substantial concerns over the safety of the 3030 St Joseph development site. A site that is currently owned and operated by the Theberge Group.
Did you know? Joey Theberge the President and Owner of the Theberge Group donated the maximum total amount ($1200) to our current Councillor's 2022 election campaign?
Do you think he's donated this year? Do you think that is impacting how the site is managed by our Councillor?
You shouldn't have to wonder. That's why Bob isn't taking developer donations for his campaign.
Bob Bell's Campaign Budget Transparency: Update 1 - September 22
Bob has committed to being transparent about his budget, donations, and not accepting any developer donations. You deserve to know who funds this campaign and how we plan to spend the money. Here's our budget and donor update as of September 21.
Bob Bell' October 15 Donor List Update
Improving Transparency at City Hall
As your city councillor, Bob will bring forward a motion to create an Ottawa Council Vote Tracker. Accountability starts with making information easy to find.
Public consultations are so important to keep our democracy healthy and our decisions focused on what the community actually wants and needs.
The city scheduling three meetings that directly impact our ward on the same day, shows they either don't know or don't care that you won't be able to go to all three.
This fall, a vote for Bob Bell is a vote for more meaningful public consultation.
Watch as Bob Bell discusses the City of Ottawa booking three consultations with Ward 1 on the same day here: https://youtube.com/shorts/-8OAbSMwyz8.
On June 2nd, Bob spoke to our current city councillors on the Finance and Corporate Services Committee about the lack of transparency in the funding strategy that was being presented to council.
The report is full of technical jargon and undefined terms that make it impossible to understand. It pushes issues like facility renewal and renovation down the road and passes the bill to our next generation. We don't want to end up like Toronto where taxes go up 17% in two years, that is the risk of this strategy.
As your councillor, Bob will fight to ensure vital reports like this are clear and accessible, and will not hesitate to send reports back to staff they aren't transparent. That is what we deserve.
On June 11th, Bob joined the Transit Committee meeting to advocate for clarity around the LRT East Opening date. We need more transparency from OC Transpo and we need city councillors who push for public transit that is fast, frequent, affordable and reliable.