A couple weeks ago, the Rochester Olmsted Council of Governments voted 8-4 to deny video recording of their meetings.
Being on Pine Island City Council, I am one of three "small cities" representatives to the ROCOG board. I was unfortunately unable to attend the June meeting because of another meeting conflict.
In the aftermath of the ROCOG vote, I received dozens of emails from concerned constituents. Points in favor of transparency include the responsible spending of public dollars and availability for working families to attend and review meetings.
In an email I received, one person wrote the video recording of meetings would "greatly change (their) level of local interaction and knowledge." I believe that’s the kind of feedback that makes recording worthwhile.
I’m proud to say the City of Pine Island records our council meetings on Facebook live. Some constituent questions I’m asked come directly from watching the meeting though a video lens. Not only that, but Pine Island City Council meeting agendas and minutes are easily accessible online in a timely fashion.
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Another convincing point made in favor of transparency noted that meeting minutes often get summarized to the point they construe what was discussed. This is something I’ve noticed as I get more politically involved.
Dear reader, please continue to ask questions and advocate for transparency!
Kelly Leibold,PINE ISLAND
