Open Government in San Jose?

Former U.S. President James Madison once said, “A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

The residents of San Jose have seen firsthand the results of governance behind closed doors. The most recent and high profile instances of this are the $4 million dollar subsidy for the San Jose Grand Prix and the $45 million cost of furniture at the new city hall. In both of these cases, not only were the residents of San Jose kept in the dark, so was a majority of the city council. It is incredible to think that our elected leaders don’t see the imperative that these types of multi-million dollar deals should be subject to public scrutiny.

This is nothing new. Anyone familiar with local politics knows that these types of decisions happen every day, both on small and large scales. What is most troubling is that the council has refused to change the policies. Three years ago, when proposed modifications to the policy of making documents public sooner came before the council, over 70% of the council voted to reject the reform!

It is imperative that the San Jose City Council address the critical problem of the lack of a fully transparent process of government. We must enact a sunshine ordinance that will:

* include increased access to public documents
* require that documents related to agenda topics are made public at least 7 days prior to council action
* require that the mayor and city councilmembers make public any and all information and discussions of which they are aware related to agenda topics as soon as that information is available, but in no cases later than 7 days prior to council action; and
* ensure that all activities of closed sessions be made public when found to be improperly addressed in closed session or the reasons for closed session action no longer exist.

Obviously, this city council is unwilling to hold itself to the high standards that we as citizens demand. Voters should demand change. And they will soon have the chance to do just that when they vote in the upcoming elections. Five council seats and the mayor will be on the ballot on June 6th. It is time to elect leaders who have the courage to remain fiercely independent and champion open government reform.

It’s time San Jose let the sun shine in on city hall.

Written March 1, 2006 for publication in the March 10, 2006 edition of the eInsight Newsletter.