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Social media fuels public anger over proposed police fee

The public is expressing its displeasure over a new proposed administrative fee using a powerful new weapon---social media. Just a few years ago, decisions made by government officials often flew under the radar, often on purpose.

The public is expressing its displeasure over a new proposed administrative fee using a powerful new weapon---social media.

Just a few years ago, decisions made by government officials often flew under the radar, often on purpose.

Now, citizens are fighting back using the internet.

An example is the announcement that the Police Services Board is thinking of charging a fee to cover the costs associated with giving warnings for minor traffic offences like burned out tail lights.

That prompted a flood of comments to news website comment boards, and has spawned a couple of independent sites set ups specifically to fight that single issue.

See the sites here:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/299684160232929/

Kijiji

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1026268213&siteLocale=en_CA&uli=true&adActivated=true&posted=true

The website states, "This is a public meeting being held at the North Bay police department to give the chance to the public to protest the new $25/stop fee the police department is proposing to charge you, over and above the taxes you already pay funding their services and wages.
Please take the time to speak out against this ridiculous fee. Waiting for someone else to do it and not voicing your displeasure on the matter will only allow them to extort our citizens freely."

Pressure from social media has already had a big effect on the issue.

Originally the Police Board had only scheduled one meeting to discuss the new fee---10 a.m. on a Friday morning.

That fueled distrust and prompted complaints that it was being held at a time when most people would be unable to attend because of work committments.

But yesterday, the Board gave in to public pressure.

"In response to concerns raised by some members of the public who would like to participate in the above discussion but cannot due to work commitments, the Board will also host a second public meeting," said a news release.

The first meeting will still be held Friday November 7th at 10 a.m., however a second meeting has been added for
Saturday November 8th at 9 a.m.

Both meetings will take place at North Bay Police headquarters,135 Princess Street West.

But one thing social media has been unable to do is---get the board to use social media.

You'll have to show up in person to express your displeasure---no emails or comments on wesites.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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