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<br />8 <br /> Access to Information -The process will provide participants with timely access <br />to all relevant information in an understandable and user-friendly way. <br /> Access to Decision Making - The process will give participants the opportunity <br />to influence decision making. <br /> Respect for Diverse Interests - The process will foster respect for the diverse <br />values, interests, and knowledge of those involved. <br /> Accountability - The process will reflect that participants are accountable to <br />both their constituents and to the success of the process. <br /> <br />The City should be designed and run to meet the needs and priorities of its citizens. <br />Staff and advisory boards must ensure the Guiding Principles direct their work. In <br />addition to the responsibilities established by the Guiding Principles, staff and advisory <br />boards are responsible for: <br /> <br /> ensuring that decisions and recommendations reflect the needs and desires of <br />the community as a whole; <br /> pursuing public involvement with a positive spirit because it helps clarify those <br />needs and desires and also adds value to projects; <br /> in all public involvement activities fostering long-term relationships based on <br />respect and trust; <br /> encouraging positive working partnerships; <br /> ensuring that no participant or group is marginalized or ignored; <br /> drawing out the silent majority, the voiceless and the disempowered; and <br /> being familiar with a variety of public involvement techniques and the <br />strengths and weaknesses of various approaches. <br /> <br />The public is also accountable for the public involvement process and for the results it <br />produces. All parties are responsible for: <br /> working within the process in a cooperative and civil manner; <br /> focusing on real issues and not on furthering personal agendas; <br /> balancing personal concerns with the needs of the community as a whole; <br /> having realistic expectations; <br /> participating openly, honestly and constructively, offering ideas, suggestions <br />and alternatives; <br /> listening carefully and actively consider everyone’s perspectives; <br /> identifying their concerns and issues early in the process; <br /> providing their names and contact information if they want direct feedback; <br /> remembering that no single voice is more important than all others, and that <br />there are diverse opinions to be considered; <br /> making every effort to work within the project schedule and if this is not <br />possible, discussing this with the proponent without delay; <br /> recognizing that process schedules may be constrained by external factors such <br />as limited funding, broader project schedules or legislative requirements; <br /> accepting some responsibility for keeping themselves aware of current issues, <br />making others aware of project activities and soliciting their involvement and <br />input; and