Philadelphia
Closed budget briefing sparks Sunshine Act debate
November 06, 2008 |
In a legal opinion over the state's Sunshine Act
that has sparked some criticism, the City of
Philadelphia Law Department has concluded that a
quorum of City Council may meet with the mayor
behind closed doors if city leaders don't
establish policy or conduct debate that could
lead to policy-making. Read
More...
Inquirer, Daily News sue to open Nutter-Council talks
November 06, 2008 |
The owner of The Inquirer and the Philadelphia
Daily News sued Mayor Nutter and City Council
President Anna C. Verna yesterday, alleging that
reporters were illegally barred from a meeting at
which the mayor discussed proposed budget cuts
with Council members. Read
More...
Sunshine Law allows for exchange of views
November 03, 2008 |
Close to the heart of the democratic process is
the role played by media. You can't have an
informed citizenry without the free flow of
information about government actions. But this
media right to stand close by as policy is
formulated and implemented is not absolute.
Reporters can't sit next to government
policymakers 24/7. Read
More...
Opinion: Sunshine Act is clear
November 02, 2008 |
It's no secret that our economy is hurting and
that the city needs to address a budget
shortfall. So, recently [Philadelphia] Mayor
Nutter and City Council met to discuss the budget
- in secret. That private meeting was no isolated
incident. This was the third time this year that
the public has been barred from city budget
briefings.
Read More...
Read More...