The failing economy raises the cry loud and clear for more open government, the right of the people to know and to understand.
This right to open government is not limited to the feds but is all inclusive of our own local government.
City hall in the City of Brookfield is a prime example. Official meetings are open to the public for observation and private e-mails and side room discussions are not recorded.
Budgetary items are listed in general categories therefore shielding the nuts and bolts expenses.
Various press releases are issued by various city hall people under the guise of apparent authority to bind the city and it's residents to something the residents know nothing about.
Reckless statements are made by certain public officials that later have to be retracted.
Candidate for Mayor Speaker in 2002, bragged, "I'm an open book", when defending being reprimanded 9 times as a police officer. (see JSOnline, Spivak & Brice).
Yet, there is no open book in our city government.
This is my opinion based on my personal observations for 34 years as a city-wide elected offficial.
Open government. Yes or No?
