2009.03.15
Discuss Trejbal's column on open government in the NRV
Sunshine increases in the NRV
The sun shines a little more brightly on government in the New River Valley since last year. Local governments have opened themselves to greater public scrutiny, and where they refused, some ambitious citizens have forced them to do it.
Sunshine Week kicks off today. Journalists around the country will remind readers, listeners and watchers why open government is important.
As if most people need reminding that representative democracy relies on citizen access to official meetings and records. Without knowing what elected officials do, the people cannot make informed decisions on Election Day. That’s basic civics.
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You all ask for "sunshine", but yet commonly publish editorials behind a cloak that warp the truth. You all should put your name to your editorials. By the way, I called Mont. County and all their meetings are open to the public. Get your facts straight before you publish and stop warping the truth just to put your spin on things.
Comment by Jack Belew — April 2, 2009 @ 9:00 am
Jack,
Unsigned editorials represent the consensus, institutional viewpoint of the editorial board. The names of every member of the editorial board are listed on this blog and on every editorial page. And, of course, anyone may call me at anytime to discuss an editorial position.
I will let Christian respond to your comment about Montgomery County meetings, but if someone you talked to alleged the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors never goes into closed session, that person is most certainly wrong.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — April 2, 2009 @ 9:11 am
The first post almost reminded me of Jim Calhoun going off on the blog reporter guy who was questioning his salary at the pre-tourney press conference, except no one was told to shut up! In line with the editorial, I'm still not sure I understand why some officials feel the need to conduct certain business in a closed session, but are more than willing to openly discuss other similar business. I could see it in cases of contract negotiations or sensitive information, but not really for open debates/discussions or items on a regular public meeting agenda.
Comment by Other John — April 2, 2009 @ 9:31 am
Jack, if you'd like to look at some of the agendas from supervisors meetings, you'll see that they regularly go into closed session. The public is not welcome and there is no publicly available record of what happens in there.
State law allows closed sessions because sometimes they are necessary. For example, a governing body might need to talk about legal strategy in an ongoing lawsuit. They shouldn't have to tip their hand to the other litigants.
Too often, however, governing bodies abuse the privilege, as is the case in Montgomery County. Take a look at the agenda for the March 23 meeting as an example. During their secret meeting, they discussed appointments to a number of citizens boards such as the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission. Those conversations should take place in public so the citizens know who is representing them on these panels. It's legal to do them in secret, but it's a disservice to the citizens. Legal and right are often not the same.
As Dan said, if someone at Montgomery County told you there are no meetings closed to the public, that person was gravely mistaken.
Comment by C. Trejbal — April 2, 2009 @ 10:41 am