Another Loophole In Texas Open Meetings Act

Recently, I've had reasons to be disappointed with the Texas Open Meetings Act. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." The Attorney General doesn't say that, in practice, there are enough loopholes to keep the working of government just as opaque as the office holders want it to be. The law is one of those reforms that promises more than it delivers. A more cynical person might think that's not entirely accidental. (I know what you're asking yourself. Who is more cynical than me? Hey, I can be a hopemonger, too.)

My earlier disappointments are spelled out here and here. After the jump, today's lesson.

A Sour Note In Richardson

The City of Richardson supports the arts. Kinda. Sometimes. Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival opens Friday night in Richardson's Galatyn Park. There will be thousands of music fans attending concerts by the likes of the B-52s and American Idol finalist Casey Jones. This is a big effin' deal, to coin a phrase.

After the jump, the one sour note...

Another Thing I Hate About Texas Open Meetings Act

It promises more than it delivers. The Texas Open Meetings Act is one of those good intentions that doesn't work out as well in practice. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." In practice, a lot of things still happen behind the curtains.

After the jump, news about Richardson's Lookout Drive Transfer Station.

What I Hate About Texas Open Meetings Act

The Texas Open Meetings Act is one of those good intentions that doesn't work out as well in practice. In the words of the Texas Attorney General, "The Texas Open Meetings Act honors the principle that government at all levels in this state should operate in a way that is open and accessible to the people." In practice, the Texas Open Meetings Act sometimes does just the opposite.

After the jump, the transcript from the May 10 Richardson City Council meeting.

Election Leftovers

On May 8, Richardson voters approved four bond proposals totalling $66 million. The proposals all passed by comfortable margins, but smaller than any Richardson bond election in memory. There are different explanations for the smaller than usual margins, from growing resistance to tax increases in general, to the tough economy in particular, to a protest against perceived failings of city staff and city council, to doubts about some of the projects themselves. I voted for the bonds, but that doesn't mean I don't still have a few reservations myself.

After the jump, my top three issues remaining as the smoke of the election campaigning clears.