« Brainerd: Don't miss the Mayor tonight | Main | They can't get no satisfaction, but their audience can »
November 01, 2007
Bloggers (and traditional journalists) on Open Meetings Law
Here's a roundup of any and all I can find on this very important topic. It will be updated as I go. As you'll see, the opinions come from those on the political left as well as those on the right, in addition to those who'd call themselves libertarians.
Via Tom Guleff, Jon Carroll at LWC
The first thing to go through my mine was that [Rep.] Ulysses [Jones] had gotten too close to a fire and the chemicals had rotted his brain. Second, how much he had gotten paid, easily dismissed as these are the days of upstanding long term Memphis politicians who learned the lessons of Main Street Sweeper, and Tennessee Waltz. Finally, I just came to the conclusion that Ulysses needs to go, he has overstayed his time in office and should to retire. This bill just proves it.
Michael Silence (blogger at Knox News-Sentinel)
Bloggers. You are the 21st century's new watchdogs. The General Assembly goes back in session in January 2008. Do us all a favor and keep a close eye on any attempts to cut you out of public decisions and the decision-making process at the local and state levels. If you post something on this topic, e-mail me the link and I'll post it, too.
Frank Cagle (columnist at MetroPulse)
(Don’t blame the lobbyists. They’re doing their best for their clients. They play the game by the rules we establish.)
Joe Powell (blogger in East TN)
The legislative committee organized to strengthen the Open Meetings laws have instead gone in the opposite direction. They approved a plan to increase the number of elected officials who can meet, debate and create public policy away from any public view or oversight.
Angela Tant (News Editor, The Pulse)
One panel member who voted for the quorum change is Rheubin Taylor, the attorney for Hamilton County. He has said that the changes would help make government efficient and operational, citing issues like land purchases.
"Newscoma" (blogger and editor)
Politicians, hear me now, an informed citzen is a scary thing to you, I get that. But it’s not your government. It’s ours.
David Oatney (blogger and podcaster)
Everyone that I have personal contact with who is on the Hill is opposed to any kind of change that would make State and local government less transparent. That doesn't mean that there are not legions of people who are trying to do just that.
About Blogs , Government , News | By joe lance | 04:20 PM