One of the criticisms I heard when I began serving on the Robins City Council occurred after we voted on a controversial issue. We heard plenty of public comments and then with little discussion amongst the Council, we voted. The public was outraged! “Why did you do that? What was the reasoning behind your vote?” We moved onto the next agenda item. I remember the headshaking and disgruntled faces and unsatisfied people walking away. I have never forgotten that meeting.
When I became Mayor of Robins, I vowed to never let an issue get to a vote without the council members giving their reasons for their vote. Not every councilor would give a reason, but that didn’t stop me from asking. The more controversial the issue, the more likely I was going to ask each member of the council for their reason(s). The public may not have agreed with their reason(s) and/or their vote, but at the very least they heard something.
I am very sensitive to Iowa’s open meetings and open records laws, Chapter 21 and Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code, respectively. I believe government bodies - especially local governments - should be completely open and transparent. The public’s business should be conducted in public … and communicated to the public ... which is one of the reasons why I’m blogging. Have you attended any local government meetings within the last 12 months? Click on this link and take a quick survey. –Joel @ 6:00pm