Open government comes to Christiansburg

Christian Trejbal
Trejbal is a Roanoke Times editorial writer based in the New River Valley.

Christiansburg Town Council has received a fair amount of criticism for its secrecy over the years, most of it deserved. It too often preferred government paternalism that asked citizens to just trust Town Hall edicts.

Then, three or four years ago, things started to change. Citizens increasingly asked questions. They wanted to know what council was doing and why. They attended meetings and sought public documents.

A couple of elections, some new hires and ongoing public pressure are finally paying off. Open government blossoms in Christiansburg.

Three changes will allow citizens to participate in their government to an unprecedented degree.

Read more.