Unburying the lede on transparency and openness

The Dane County Board is considering a number of rules changes to promote transparency in Board business and make it easier for the public to participate. Sup. Wegleitner (2nd District) has proposed a number of changes including:

• Requiring a vote if a committee chair wants to place limitations on public commentary.

• Providing supervisors with a list of individuals registered in favor or in opposition to items on the agenda, before discussion and votes.

• Requiring committees to have specific plans to engage with people who are impacted by the committee’s work.

• Removing the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance as the initial items on the agenda for Board meetings.

You can read the details here.

The last item in the above list has stolen headlines over the past couple of days. Much of the coverage doesn’t even discuss the other changes. That’s too bad, because all of these proposed changes are worthy of consideration and support. Taken together, they foster openness, transparency, and inclusion. Ultimately, the goal is to increase the public’s participation in government. That is worth doing.

I’m interested in your thoughts—please contact me at info@wrightfordanecounty.com. You can also share your feedback with the board at county_board_recipients@countyofdane.com.