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The Tribune-Star
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Everybody talks about more government transparency, but almost no one does anything about it. Therefore, hats off to the Terre Haute City Council for expanding citizen access to government business.
Largely through the efforts of councilman Todd Nation, D-4th, proposed ordinances, resolutions, appropriations and other pending council business are now available for perusal — before the council acts upon them. Internet access is required, but after that, a few mere mouse clicks will give interested citizens a full-text preview of the agenda items a week before the council’s monthly “sunshine” meeting.
This means no one has to be surprised to read of money spent, roads closed, stoplights erected or zoning codes varied when there is no longer time to speak up or do anything about it. Cryptic public notices published ahead of council meetings have been inadequate for many years.
“This way, people can make a judgment ahead of time about whether to attend a council meeting or not,” Nation said.
The gateway to informed citizenry is www.terrehaute.in.gov. Click on “Departments” then “City Council.”
Not only pending council business is available, but so are previously completed actions, including ordinances that were amended during regular council meetings.
Now, how about a few other important boards and agencies getting in on the transparency?
Given their fairly inconvenient meeting times, wouldn’t it be useful to know a week or so ahead exactly what the Department of Redevelopment or the Board of Public Works and Safety planned to consider and act upon?
