Last week, the Marshall County Council decided by a 5-2 vote to keep the meetings in the morning.  This is a disappointing outcome, however; I am pleased that council member Ralph Booker accepted my argument that meeting at 9am excludes 85% of the tax payers from the meetings.

Here is the audio from the November meeting that includes the actual vote and the discussion that followed:

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The arguments made by Council President Matt Hassel regarding the logistical issues of holding the meetings in the evenings are very weak.  Each meeting is based on an agenda that is set well ahead of time. All department heads and executives that need to be at the meeting can prepare in advance. The other issues he brought up could be resolved if the county council were interested in doing so. 

All it takes is a commitment to opening up the meetings, the ability to plan and coordinate people, and capable leadership to navigate the minor issues involved with moving the meetings to the evenings.  Apparently, these skill are lacking on this council.

This issue will reappear next year. A transparent and open government is critical to solving the many problems facing us right now. Furthermore, the residents of Marshall County have the right to participate in their local government, and to see how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.

For more information, check out the links below:

WTCA 1050 AM – County to Keep Meetings at 9am

The Pilot News – Is Night Time the Right Time?

The Pilot News – Council will Continue Day Meetings in 2010