New York: Home of the transparency trifecta
1 October, 2008
Sometimes a situation has to get really bad before it gets noticed and a number of people work to clean it up. That is apparently what is going on with ethics in New York, as transparency sites are popping up in record numbers. (In case you’re not paying attention, that’s a good thing.)
The newest kid on the block is Open Book New York, a site by state comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. It has expanding databases for expenditures for counties, cities, schools, and fire districts as well as state contracts and agency spending.
The one temporary drawback of the site, according to The Daily Messenger, is a lack of recent facts and figures.
Regrettably, local government spending is available only up to 2006. The comptroller’s office said it takes time to finalize budget numbers sent in by municipalities, but hopes to provide newer data at some point. That would be useful. DiNapoli also plans to include local property tax burdens and financial information from local public authorities.
It’s great to have the transparency trifecta of Open Book NY, See Through NY, and Project Sunlight.
$5,000 per sign in Tulsa?
30 September, 2008
The Tulsa World reports today that the city of Tulsa is putting up new signs to direct drivers and pedestrians downtown. Isn’t that great? Well, it may not be so wonderful for taxpayers, who are stuck with a tax increase to cover the substantial cost of the signage.
The funding for Way Finding, totaling nearly $740,000 for the 148 signs, was through the third penny sales-tax program in 2006, said a Tulsa Public Works Department senior engineer, Glen Sams. The designs were discussed in a committee of downtown and city leaders, he said.
“We started last fall on various options, sizes and color,” Sams said. “This was an art deco design and we thought it needed art deco colors.”
I’m glad they decided on art deco, but who decided on price? Call me crazy, but doesn’t $5,000 per sign seem just a little steep?
Other questions that immediately arise:
*Who was the vendor?
*How was the vendor selected?
*Was this project competitively bid?
*Did the vendor send campaign contributions to city officials responsible for the signage decisions?
*What does Oklahoma City and surrounding towns pay for signage?
I’m not sayin’… I’m just askin’.
CLC Transparency Panel
21 September, 2008
I apologize for the sporadic posting lately- I took a brief vacation, and spent some time in Las Vegas to attend the Conservative Leadership Conference, which included a lot of transparency discussion of tactics and tools.
CLC panelists took advantage of their platform to promote their transparency resources. I have listed a few of those below:
Transparent Nevada
Americans for Tax Reform
Missouri Accountability Portal
Ballotpedia
Sunshine Review
Other highlights from CLC were presentations by the Leadership Institute, John Fund, Congressman Shadegg, Thomas Keene, and an amazing performance by The Cactus Cuties.
Congratulations to Michael Brogkorb from Minnesota Democrats Exposed, winner of the Conservative Blogger of the Year award for his work to provide transparency regarding Al Franken’s tax documents.
Thank you to Chuck Muth of Citizen Outreach for hosting the conference. Can’t wait to do it all again next year!
A dose of Common Sense for California
15 September, 2008
Great transparency article from Paul Jacob on Sept 12th. (reprinted with permission)
You can see this article as well as Paul’s other columns at ThisIsCommonSense.com:
© Is for California
You might think that there’s nothing a government won’t try. You’d be right. But I was near stupefied to learn that the state of California copyrights its laws. And it’s not alone.
The state tries to control — through copyright — how you can access its laws, where and how you store them, etc. The state makes available its building codes, plumbing standards and criminal laws online, but requires you to ask for permission to download them!
The state’s out to make money. It charges $1,556 for a digital version, more for a print-out, and makes nearly a million dollars a year selling what is legally ours.
Yes, what’s ours. We are a nation of laws, not of men, and we have the right to own and reprint our laws as much as we want. The purpose of copyright is to ensure private parties can maintain some control over their intellectual property. But the laws themselves are, in point of elementary political theory, the intellectual property of all. Not of state bureaus.
Thankfully, heroic Internet technician and mover and shaker Carl Malamud believes in government transparency. And he, unlike Al Gore, really worked to help build the Internet.
On Labor Day Mr. Malamud published the whole California code online. Available for free.
Obviously, Malamud is spoiling for a fight. Good. He should win it. He has, after all, the law (if not the state) on his side.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
NDPC Podcast Hits the Information Superhighway
22 August, 2008
As a part of its “No Taxation Without Information” National Campaign, the Sam Adams Alliance recently conducted an interview with Brett Narloch, Executive Director of the North Dakota Policy Council (NDPC). The NDPC has been at the forefront of government transparency with the development of its Sunshine on Schools website that was discussed on this site.
The North Dakota Policy Council (NDPC) is a liberty-based think tank focused on North Dakota solutions to North Dakota’s problems. They provide credible nonpartisan expertise and research to help North Dakotans advocate policies that are based on individual liberty, individual responsibility, and limited government.
The NDPC seeks to broaden policy debates beyond the belief that government intervention should be the avenue of first, rather than last, resort. They believe that:
* Government can only give to one person what it takes away from another, and that the power to give presumes the power to take.
* Policies intended to affect one person or one group can affect all people and all groups, and that these unintended consequences often cause more harm to the many than any good done for the one.
* Freedom requires responsibility: where government largesse replaces individual foresight it destroys responsibility and, therefore, freedom.
* All times matter. Long-term consequences are as or more important than short-term impacts. Emotional reactions are not suitable substitutes for rational solutions.
Louisiana Transparency: Still under construction
21 August, 2008
Although Louisiana has become Ground Zero for transparency progress, there is still a long way to go until state and local governments can really develop a reputation for clean and efficient government. After reading local LA news, I have a couple of suggestions for any public servant’s transparency “to do” list.
#1- Develop written procedures and guidelines for government credit cards BEFORE waste and theft occur. Audit statements monthly.
Example you should not follow: Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price has recently found himself in hot water (again) when an audit found he had misused his city credit card to purchase private vacations and other personal expenditures. Some city councilmen commented publicly that they had no knowledge these expenditures were taking place. My solution? Put all expenditures online for journalists, taxpayers, and even the city council members to scrutinize and take a proactive stance against corruption and sneaky spending with public funds.
#2- Give public information to the public, with or without request. No questions, no excuses.
Example you should not follow: Robert Morgan of TheTownTalk.com points out in a recent column that government employees often do not understand basic open records law, and may choose to delay the delivery of requested documents in error. Mr. Morgan names names in his article, citing examples from Rapides Parish Schools and the city of Alexandria.
I will continue to watch Louisiana’s media and new media for updates on how they are finding their way to the land of milk, honey, and open government.
Empower Texans Asks the Tough Q’s on Education Funding
21 August, 2008
I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight “Empower Texans” and their campaign to bring accountability and transparency to all levels of government in Texas.
Recently, Empower Texans, posted the first in what the organization promises to be a series of hard hitting videos and public statements asking the tough questions about what exactly are the taxpayers of Texas are getting for their dollars in education and other government services.
This video is about 8 minutes in length and I encourage you to take a look even if you do not live in Texas because every taxpayer should be asking these types of questions from their elected officials.
In case you do not know much about Empower Texans, their website states Empower Texans exists “to create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government, ensuring the greatest amounts of economic and personal liberty, and promoting public policies that provide individuals with the freedom to use their strengths and talents in pursuit of greater opportunities.”
They accomplish this goal by informing “voters, taxpayers and elected officials about policy solutions that are consistent with the principles of individual liberty and free markets, while working to build support for those policies among key constituencies.”
It is great to see citizens and organizations fighting for liberty and free-market principles.
Hot off the press- Buckeye Institute Podcast Interview
18 August, 2008
I recently interviewed Mike Maurer of the Buckeye Institute in Ohio regarding their new Government Transparency Center. The Center’s first task is to engage citizen activists in OhioSunshine.org, a wiki project aimed at opening up Ohio government to taxpayers. Maurer will also spearhead an effort to gain candidate participation in their Pledge for Transparency and Accountability in Government. From Harold’s Chicken Shack to the possibility of uncovering corruption and everything in between, Mike had a lot of great insights.
Check out the Buckeye Institute Podcast Interview Here
The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions is a nonpartisan research and educational institute devoted to individual liberty, economic freedom, personal responsibility and limited government in Ohio.
OK courts shuttering cases from public view
11 August, 2008
A Tulsa World study has shown that over 2300 court cases in Oklahoma have files sealed by district court judges since 2003.
Joey Senat, past president of Freedom of Information Oklahoma, said he was surprised by the amount of sealed records.
“I had heard of this going on in other states, but I’m really disappointed this is happening to the courts in our state,” Senat said. “This is a real indication there are two systems — one for the rich
and powerful and one for the rest of us. The public has been left out of this process.“One thing we need to remember is that the judges who are signing those orders are elected and the court clerks are elected. If we want our records to stay open and stay available, we need to be aware of who we are electing as court clerks and judges. Open government needs to be the issue.”
Agreed. A transparent government (including courts) allow citizens to feel they are receiving fair treatment and exposes errors and conflicts of interest to public and legal review.
One advocate suggests the way to keep yourself out of an open record is simply to keep your life out of the courts.
Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association, said society should be moving toward openness.
“It gives the appearance that justice is for sale in Oklahoma, like it was 50 years ago,” Thomas said. “We should avoid that appearance at all cost.
“On occasion, there is a valid reason to seal a court record, but it should be an extreme rarity. If the public pays for our court system, then we ought to know who it’s being used for. If you want privacy, settle your affairs in private.”
Public servants, such as judges, should balance the need for sealed court cases against the public interest. When there is no real public safety or juvenile privacy concerns, the records should be as open as possible.
PA Legislative Candidates Answer Questions on Reform & Ethics
10 August, 2008
In the wake of continued scandalous in the Pennsylvania State Legislature, the Patriot-News asked Legislative Candidates a series of questions on ethics and reform.
Here were the questions asked by the paper:
It’s certainly on the minds of people running for the Legislature. In a follow-up to conversations with state officials on legislative reforms, The Patriot-News asked their challengers their thoughts on the matter. What specific reforms do you support? Do you agree with state Attorney General Tom Corbett that a culture of corruption exists in Harrisburg? Do you support a special legislative session on ethics reform? Should House Majority Leader William DeWeese, D-Greene, should resign from leadership.
It is good to see the mainstream media ask candidates for office their opinions on issues facing the voters.
Here are their answers:
JUDY HIRSCH, a Democrat seeking the 15th state senatorial seat held by Republican Jeffrey Piccola Reforms: “Make budget negotiation transcripts public; impose limits on campaign contributions of $2,500 for individuals and $10,000 per candidate for political action committees; require lobbyists to disclose all expenditures; put a nonpartisan body in charge of redistricting; and increase funding for the State Ethics Commission to ensure they have the resources to investigate complaints.” Culture: “I can’t speak to the ‘culture’ of the Legislature. The appearance is that there’s too many people that think they’re above the law. I think it’s time we have new blood and new energy.” Special session: “I’m not sure what would be accomplished in a special legislative reform session that couldn’t have been accomplished over the last term, where bills were sitting in [Piccola's State Government] committee.” DeWeese: “I think he probably has a tough sell as to why he should remain in the leadership post. It will be dependent upon his caucus and what his caucus decides.”
SUSAN KISKIS, a Democrat seeking the 31st state senatorial seat held by Republican Patricia Vance Reforms: “I don’t know anything right now that’s currently being drafted. Over the past several years, 51 reform bills have been stalled on issues ranging from posting government salaries online to preventing state agencies from hiring lobbyists with tax dollars. I support those bills.” Culture: “It is a cultural matter. I think it’s very widespread.” Special session: “Yes. It’s a fortunate moment to have it because it should have been done years ago.” DeWeese: “I’m not prepared to answer that. I’m not familiar with the specifics of individuals. I’ve been trying more or less to run my campaign focusing on reform overall and not trying to be bogged down by the politics that is happening right now.”
MARGIE STUSKI, a Democrat seeking the open 88th state House seat Reforms: “A complete a review of leadership accountability; open all legislative accounts for complete disclosure; expand the Freedom of Information Act; create a stronger barrier between government and campaign work for state employees who are also on campaign payrolls; mandate that the legislature work 12 months a year; and rotate leadership positions and committee chairs every few years.” Culture: “From the time I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I’ve said it’s not a culture. It’s individuals who are trying to get their own power and putting their own preferences above everyone else’s.” Special session: “No. I would have very serious caucus meetings during this downtime, reorganize every caucus and have the caucuses become the models for how to do things. They’ve got to sit down and figure out how to operate the Capitol. Special sessions are a press stunt.” DeWeese: “Two years ago, I said he is not my choice for House leader. I certainly would not vote for him. It’s in the best interest for him to step aside and handle the allegations, similar to what Sen. [Vincent] Fumo just did.”
SHERYL DELOZIER, a Republican seeking the open 88th state House seat Reforms: “Consider reducing the size of the Legislature, consider implementing ideas from the Speaker’s Commission on Legislative Reform, possibly limit the amount of time someone can serve as committee chair, and make sure bills that need to get out of committee, get out of committee, and let legislators debate them.” Culture: “I hate to cast a wide brush because I don’t think it’s the entire culture. It’s the few that didn’t abide by the rules.” Special session: “Yes, there are changes that are needed, and I think we have to take that first step.”
PATRICIA GARCIA, a Democrat seeking the 104th state House seat held by Republican Sue Helm Reforms: “Remove influence of special interest lobbyists; eliminate the perk lifestyle; … reduce legislators’ monthly allowance; eliminate bonuses; provide full transparency of all caucus accounts.” Culture: “Yes, but a lot of things are hearsay, so we don’t know until people are really brought to justice.” Special session: “Yes. Also, there are a number of things that could be addressed just among the members themselves. For instance, the people need to be present when they’re voting. I think there are a lot of rules that are in place, but no one’s really policed them.” DeWeese: “I would wait until I had all the facts. Nothing against your paper, but I don’t count the paper all the time as my resource for all the facts.”
GREG SCUDDER, a Democrat seeking the 199th state House District seat held by Republican Will Gabig Reforms: “I would support stepped-up enforcement of existing measures. As a candidate, I don’t know inside the Legislature what the rules are in terms of financial reporting requirements, but we should really audit those records and take a look at where the money is coming from and to watch for inconsistencies or patterns that would indicate some form of abuse.” Culture: “It’s isolated to a few powerful individuals. I mean that in the broadest sense, across the federal, state and local governments.” Special session: “I don’t know the specifics enough to really say yes or no. I support anything that is going to improve the ethics of our Legislature, but I think it’s a matter of enforcing the current laws that are related to campaign finance.” DeWeese: “If a court found that there were crimes committed and he was one of the people that was looking the other way, then yes, under those circumstances. But until it’s all shown and proven, I don’t have a statement one way or the other.” Some responses were edited for space.
Two candidates did not return three calls from The Patriot-News for this report: Phyllis Bennett, a Democrat running for the 106th state House seat held by Republican John Payne; and Daniel Stephenson, a Democrat running for the 98th state House seat held by Republican David Hickernell.
Click Here to read the original story.
