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alp227

(31,961 posts)
Sat Jul 14, 2012, 10:39 PM Jul 2012

Open government at heart of budget cut

California's 59-year-old Ralph M. Brown Act is meant to ensure open and accessible government. These days, it also shows how convoluted the state can be.

A key feature of the act - that local elected bodies and commissions must post their meeting agendas in advance - was suspended as part of the new state budget, a bookkeeping move that could save the state $96 million in 2012-13.

By saying it won't pick up the tab for local government to spread the word, the state appears to have removed the legal obligation of local governments to publicize the details of future meetings. But the obligation will return if voters approve the tax increase sought this November by Gov. Jerry Brown - and many local officials, at least in the Bay Area, say the issue is moot because the reality of today's society is the push for more access, not less.

"The public would not allow us to hold meetings in a back room anymore," said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia. "In this business, nothing is private. Everything is public."

full: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/place/article/Open-government-at-heart-of-budget-cut-3707501.php

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Open government at heart of budget cut (Original Post) alp227 Jul 2012 OP
Oh there have always been a zillion ways to truedelphi Jul 2012 #1

truedelphi

(32,324 posts)
1. Oh there have always been a zillion ways to
Sat Jul 14, 2012, 11:45 PM
Jul 2012

Get around the Brown act.

I have seen politicians communicating with their eyes.
And body language.

Anyone who doesn't think that very important items are not decided before an agenda, before a meeting and all that is a bit naive.

Of course, I am not saying we should not try to keep the Brown Act in effect. it has been helpful.

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