Keeping City Budgeting Open (and adding the Governor's Office too)

Senator Moua has recently introduced legislation that would allow cities to develop budget proposals behind closed doors in the early stages of budgeting Supporters of this change suggest that it would allow cities to come up with creative ways to balance budgets without public outrage (among other claims). Some even say that the Governor's agencies budget behind closed doors, so why shouldn't cities.

We are not so sure. Perhaps we need to open a few more doors instead of closing them. Minnesota's cities are probably better models for state government than the reverse.

Meeting with us is Don Gemberling, former director of the Information Policy and Analysis Development Office with the State of Minnesota...the people in charge of open meeting and data rules.

Don is going to talk to us about opening the door in government, not closing it. What first appears to be a rather narrow issue is extremely big and frankly defines many of the problems in government.

This is an open-to-all meetup and we encourage you to come. Mr. Gemberling will inspire you with how government can operate.

This is an awesome meeting location with great cafes close by.

BTW- the Independence Party will be speaking up on many issues facing the state. We do need your help. Please contribute to honest messages, donation today at http://www.independen...