This week is Sunshine Week, celebrating 40 years of the Freedom of Information Act
The Brown Act (muy importante)
Don't violate my act dude.
This San Union Tribune article shortcuts to researching like a pro, will illuminate you on your rights as an American and how to use resources available to you. It has a list of links compiled by librarians and other smarties. Remember, it's the local city council that affects your life more than any branch of government and it's your right to access information you want from them.
The sneakiness of the San Diego city council and Randy "Duke" Cunningham has interested a lot of locals in keeping tabs on the Encinitas city council. Keep them honest, they work for you.
I don't think we can "keep" them honest. But we can steer them back to honesty, for they have clearly fallen off that path.
ReplyDeleteAs JP said, this aggression against our rights for open, honest government will not stand!
City Council, City Manager, and City Attorneys should have open forums where citizens can ask them questions, get answers, besides once every two years, right before election. And in that instance, only those running attend the forum. We need town hall style meetings where we are not patronized nor condescended to.
This should be a weekly or bi-weekly opportunity for sharing with the public. If they can't stand the heat, get out of the fire!
We are far more interested in hearing what the citizens think, what they are concerned about, then in hearing staff and Council droning on and on, patting themselves on their arrogant backs, and complacent fannies.
I've known JP for a long time and I think it's great he is doing this blog but JP why do you hold back? I know how much dirt you have on the city council but you never post any of it. RELEASE THE HOUNDS!!!
ReplyDeleteHere here for the bi-weekly town hall meeting.
ReplyDeleteAnyone asked any of the current Council if they want to start doing this? Hey, if they are doing a good job and the people are just misinformed then this is a needed venue which will help everyone.
A few years ago the Cardiff Town Council sponsored a town hall meeting with Maggie and Christy and it was well received by the community. (That was before Christy turned into Ms. Bossypants)
ReplyDeleteBut the atmosphere has changed and I can't see that happening again soon.
Perhaps that would be a good campaign issue -- ask the candiates if they would support regular town hall meetings in each of the five communties.