Safeguarding open government is a constant struggle. Backsliding can happen easily if people aren’t vigilant.
We have a case in point right here in Sacramento on the eve of Sunshine Week, the annual series of events spotlighting the importance of public access to government.
Last April, Sacramento City Council members, in a welcome advance for openness, decided that all labor agreements and any contracts topping $1 million should be posted on the city’s website for at least 10 days before a council vote. The change to their rules of procedure took effect July 1.
Yet there was a proposal before council members to kill the 10-day rule for big contracts – at least until The Bee’s editorial board starting nosing around and a local watchdog group raised a stink. Continue>>>
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