Corporation of Hamilton Mayor candidate Lawson Mapp said he favours a gradual approach on opening up chamber meetings to the public.

The issue has been raised by challenger Graeme Outerbridge who said better decisions would be made if the process came under public scrutiny.

The pair are fighting it out in Thursday's election for control of a city with 110 employees and a $15 million annual budget.

Asked about his stance Mr. Mapp said: "Absolutely I am in favour. We definitely would like to go ahead with that, perhaps do it first of all with an unabridged version of our minutes."

But he said there had been no agreement to open up meetings to the public within the Corporation yet.

He said he hoped Government would amend the Municipality Act, which dates back to the 1920s, to give members privilege from being sued for comments made at chamber meetings.

But he said no formal or informal approach had been made to Government on the matter."We have just had an election on single seat constituencies. I would like to have the Premier in for a chat."

Mr. Mapp was also asked about Mr. Outerbridge's call for parks to be opened up for concession stands to sell meals.

He said there was a concession stand at Fort Hamilton which was not being used. "We are looking at giving the concession to someone else."