(The following statement from the LWV Northfield-Cannon Falls Board was read by President Jessica Peterson White at the Northfield City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010. For background and further information, see our observer’s report on the meeting.)
“ Since this new council and mayor took office, there has been an expressed commitment to openness and transparency in city government. The League of Women Voters shares these goals, and considers the encouragement of open government one of our most important responsibilities to our community.
After speaking with our League City Council observer, Jane McWilliams, with the City Administrator, Joel Walinski, and with others on the communication and decision-making surrounding your agreement with Waterford Township, I don’t believe anyone intended that business be done behind closed doors. It’s not for the League, at this point, to determine whether the Open Meetings law was violated. We have no disagreement with those who are suggesting that the city “move on” and ensure that things are done differently in the future.
But the League is here to remind you of the absolute, non-negotiable importance of your decisions being made openly. Even the appearance of a lack of transparency fosters distrust and suspicion, as we’ve seen this week, between our city and other units of government, and between you and your constituents. While in your individual conversations with the administrator, it may not have been quite clear whether you were acknowledging, approving, or supporting a document or a course of action, this is the sort of grey area that you, as our leaders, must be alert to. Your constituents want and need to hear discussion from each of you, here in the council chambers, on decisions like the one regarding Waterford township.
No one but you can take responsibility for ensuring that all your decisions are made in the public eye. League believes that strong leadership is always as open as possible, and shares information readily, except in the very few cases where you have an obligation to protect individuals through secrecy. We depend on each of you to show this kind of leadership, and to be watchdogs, along with us, of the public’s interests and understanding of the business of city hall. Your openness and that of your staff will be rewarded with the public’s trust.”
Jessica Peterson White
President
League of Women Voters Northfield – Cannon Falls