Two measures making their way through different political processes in California seek to increase transparency. One is a ballot initiative; the other is a bill. Each one’s supporters say it would cut down on backroom deals. But transparency can be a double-edged sword.
The California Coastal Commission dismissed its executive director last month, and coastal activists blame the behind-the-scene influence of developers. State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson is authoring a bill in response. It would require that interest groups only approach commissioners in public hearings.
"The public is entitled to know what decisions are being made and why they’re being made, and to have input in those decisions," says Jackson. Continue…
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