Coun. Cheryl Ruby wants to see her colleagues' submissions to local newspapers before they are published.

That was the request the longtime councillor made at Monday night's meeting under new business.

"Having asked this of members of council on at least two occasions in camera, I'm going to publicly ask members of council," said Ruby.

"If you wish to debate items that would usually be debated in this council chamber, please have the respect to provide me a copy of the letters so I at least know what you're talking about."

Ruby said not knowing what is being published makes it hard for her to answer questions citizens often ask of her. She said she never reads the editorial pages of local newspapers.

"I find it very difficult to follow along when people are getting bits and pieces and sentences out of this letter and that letter," she said.

"I would hope because I have had no success in the past receiving these letters or information now that I'm asking publicly that they will be forthcoming and I would appreciate it very much."

The Gazette has run columns and letters to the editor by councillors Chris Rickett, Sam Dinicol and Lloyd Lichti over the last few months.