Before the recount was done, the Republicans, Progressives Knodell, Davis and Independent Bushor sponsored a resolution to form a seven-person committee, including two councilors, who would consider several specific recommendations included in the resolution and any others which could increase transparency in city government. Seeing as how this was the main part of my campaign, I can't help but feel that I helped to light a fire under some butts on the City Council. This concept is hardly new and it is long overdue as far as city government goes in Burlington. So what took them so long?
Complaints have been smoldering for years on issues that fall under the Open Governemnt umbrella, but as far as I know, nobody has organized a cohesive initiative to tackle all of the problems at once, either as a candidate or a group of citizens. Forming a committee is a good start, but lets remember that it's only the beginning. The work that is done in that committee will be our best shot at getting an open government here in Burlington, because the Councilors will have very little political wiggle room when taking the recommendations from the committee. What councilor would want to be on record opposing open government?
Speaking of on the record, one glaring ommission from initial resolution is getting the votes of the councilors on the public record. Presently, only a tally of the yeas and nays or on record, so you can't find out who voted for or against any given resolution oramendment. With this information publicly available, residents can make a more informed decision when it comes time to vote for who they would like representing them on the City Council. That's how democracy is supposed to work.
I plan on asking Mayor Kiss personally if I can be on this committe, and I encourage all of you to attend these meetings. They are supposed to be open to the public and the schedules easy to find on the City's website. I don't have too much faith in that so I will be posting the schedules on this website just to be on the safe side.
