Klein vows city ombudsman would bring transparency

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein has pledged to introduce a new municipal ombudsman if elected, in order to increase transparency and accountability in city hall. This independent official would receive complaints from whistleblowers and the public, and publish findings without answering to city staff or the mayor. The ombudsman would investigate cost overruns on projects and hold accountable those responsible for any issues.

Klein expects this change to make it harder to hide wrongdoing and crack down on closed-door meetings. The plan involves an annual subscription fee of $205.00 + GST, which would automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks. He claims the ombudsman would cost about $1 million per year, which he would fund by cutting the vacant chief construction officer position and reducing spending on external legal and consulting fees.

In addition, Klein has promised to hold community meetings in each of the city's 15 wards twice a year, with broadcasts on the city's social media channels.