Does Texas Open Meetings Act Need Improvement?

Recently I've commented on the unintended negative consequences of the largely beneficial Texas Open Meetings Act. (For example, here, here, and here). The act requires that local governments, e.g., the Richardson City Council, post agendas for meetings in advance. Consequently, it forbids them from discussing issues raised by visitors, at least during that session. I complained that legitimate issues raised by visitors end up getting swept under the rug.

After the jump, one reader takes my criticism to task.

Neighborhood Protection Alliance of Richardson

Neighborhood Protection Alliance. The name might conjure up some kind of organized crime protection racket. Or maybe a vigilante group. The reality is not bad news, but the very existence of such a group indicates that all is not well in Smallville, USA Richardson.

After the jump, what the Neighborhood Protection Alliance means for Richardson.

Coterie Games

From 2010 05 Coterie Games

"Coterie" is an organization of Richardson-area friends who get together three times a year for dinner and entertainment. The theme and activity for each occasion varies. The May 2010 Coterie party's theme was "Coterie Games." For a slide show of festivities, click here.

28 Square

There's a new blog in town, "28 Square," covering all things Richardson by multiple bloggers. From it's "About" page:

"28 Square is your one stop blog for everything Richardson. Sure, we’re all a little bit biased here but the good news is with 8 different viewpoints you’re bound to learn something new about the city you call home. So bookmark us, read us, argue with us and finally agree with us (because just ask our loved ones, we’re always right) and be ready to discover something new within these 28 square miles of Richardson.

Check it out: 28 Square.

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.