An Essex councillor is calling for change when it comes to dealing with the media.
Randy Voakes says he believes some councillors are afraid to speak their minds in fear of repercussion from the town and fellow council members.
Voakes says the town's media policy needs to be overhauled.
"Our policy really steers you in a direction as where you're selected as to what you say, don't say, when you say it, why you say it, where you say it and look it" says Voakes "I'm elected to represent people. I'm their voice through opportunities of the media."
He says thinking outside of the box isn't always welcome.
"If you're a person that's talking about something that's progressive," says Voakes "As long as it's not in-camera and it's not derogatory, you should have the opportunity to speak as a result of collecting a paycheque from the Town of Essex."
Voakes says in-camera meetings should be the only information that's off limits.
"I've been accused by my colleagues on council and administration of speaking to the media on things I shouldn't be speaking about." says Voakes "Bunk, that's not true, and I want it clearly understood by my constituents, you're going to get everything that happens in those council chambers. Why? Because I'm elected to do that."
A media training session is planned for Essex Council members in March.
Voakes says he'll be looking to address a number of issues at that meeting.