December 24, 2011

Closed caucuses aren't open government

I've made this point before at the state level, and have to agree with it at the county level:

The Democrats' caucus meeting is legal, thanks to a mischievous change approved by the New York state Legislature in 1985. Caucuses do not violate the letter of the law, but they do circumvent its spirit. Tompkins legislators defending the practice will tell you that no votes are taken and thus no public business conducted. If you believe that, then you believe Santa Claus will slide down your chimney tonight....

Decisions made in closed caucus sessions are wrong.

There's much much more, written in a tone that feels more like a rollicking blog rant than a staid newspaper editorial, but I guess the Journal wanted to make sure the coal got in the stockings.

Posted by simon at December 24, 2011 9:45 AM in , ,
Note on photos