Let the Sunshine In on City Council

Civic engagement requires an informed citizenry. That's why I nearly gagged on my morning coffee when I saw the headline in the Lynn Item: "Lynners Kept in Dark by Stubborn Councilors"  The councilors in question are Darren Cyr of Ward 3, William Trahant  of Ward 2 and the pugilistic Richard Ford of Ward 7. I'm dissapointed that Mr. Cyr, my own councilor who I have a lot of respect for, is one of the council members resisting progress televising city council meetings.

My respect went down a notch as I readCyr's comment that "we should do it right by spotlighting a different city councilor each week, or show them driving around in a city vehicle talking to constituents. It would cost more, but it would be better. And a kill switch should also be available like they have at the state house." This isn't a re-election tool or a reality TV show. It's a step toward a more open, accountable and accessible city government. I find it deploreable that Lynn is one of the only communities in the state that does not televise these public meetings.

Comcast and Verizon are contractually obligated to earmark funds for goverment access. The Massachusetts Open Meeting Law allows anyone who attends a public meeting to make an audio or videotape of that meeting.

We shoudn't stop at televising council meetings though. Take a look at Common Cause's Campaign for Open Government website and you will see that Lynn is not one of their "superstars" when it comes to open government. Our council's meeting agendas, minutes and the budget are all absent from the city's website. These documents should be public record.

While you're at the Common Cause website, click the Take Action link and see what you can do to help remedy this.