August 8, 2008Secret discussions at Montgomery CountyThey Montgomery County Board of Supervisors doesn't seem to get the open government idea. At their meeting on Monday, supervisors will go into a closed session to discuss appointments to the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Board and the Parks & Recreation Commission. (see the agenda) These are not discussions about hired county staff. These positions are on public boards that represent the citizens of the county. There's no good reason for supervisors not to let residents observe their discussions so that they understand why the board chooses the people it does. Instead, supervisors disappointingly choose secrecy. At least voters can hold supervisors accountable if not the secretly selected appointees to boards. |
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August 8, 2008
Secret discussions at Montgomery County
They Montgomery County Board of Supervisors doesn't seem to get the open government idea. At their meeting on Monday, supervisors will go into a closed session to discuss appointments to the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Board and the Parks & Recreation Commission. (see the agenda)
These are not discussions about hired county staff. These positions are on public boards that represent the citizens of the county. There's no good reason for supervisors not to let residents observe their discussions so that they understand why the board chooses the people it does. Instead, supervisors disappointingly choose secrecy.
At least voters can hold supervisors accountable if not the secretly selected appointees to boards.
Comments
[August 9, 2008 12:10 PM]
NRVA CitizenWhy is there any question on how to fill these types of appointments? Clearly, this is not consideration of an offer of employment. And the appointments -- library and parks -- seem benign. It's not like the appointments are relative to national security, state secrets, or that they'll be making key finance decisions and appropriations....I wish these officials would wake up (or that voters would).
[August 9, 2008 12:34 PM]
Carol LindstromYou know, it is certainly true that the elected body of a jurisdiction does not have to hold meetings for public input in the appointment of people to things like the Planning Commission, Street Committees, Library Board, etc. However, how the elected body goes about making these choices tells voters a lot about their elected officials. It will sure affect how I vote!
[August 9, 2008 3:13 PM]
TLWhat is curious is state code being interpreted and applied so divergently.