Judge Harmon opened this morning's meeting of the commissioners court with a monologue addressing a recent Star Group newspaper editorial and report outlining accusations of off-mic whispering during court proceedings. He assured the public that the integrity of the court was of utmost importance and that the intention of all court members was to follow the rules of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Before the break for lunch I counted three instances in which inaudible talks away from microphone range were had. Old habits die hard, I guess.
I addressed the court this morning during public participation to express my support for an agenda item that Commissioner Stringer brought up. What a nice turn to be on the same side as Jerry Stringer instead of hammering him for ESD or Keith Kelly connections. Believe it or not I actually don't revel in those instances. Anyway, the topic was video taping court meetings and making them available on the county website. I've talked about this for a while and love the idea. I think it would be the best way to show the citizens of the county that our government is serious about openness. If it's done right then the camera will reveal everything. I've used the system that the City of Burleson has and it is fantastic. The county I.T. department researched the company that did the Burleson system and provided budgetary costs to the court today. The cost to implement the system is $29,000. There would be an ongoing monthly cost of $950 plus $120 per meeting. What you get for that is an easy to use system that will allow anyone to go right to an individual agenda item at will. It's excellent and I think well worth the expense. In addition to the video system the court needs to switch to lapel mics for everyone so we can hear what they are saying. Several members do not sit up in the chairs so even though the microphone is in front of them it's very hard to hear. A better sound system in the room is also needed.
The members responded with comments about the meeting minutes already being available online and that the court meetings are open to the public so anyone can come to a meeting. That's ridiculous. Few people besides myself are available on a Monday morning to spend at the court house. I know, I've been to just about every meeting for the last year or so and other than people who have business with the court there aren't ever more than a few spectators. Cost should always be a factor and wasteful spending has no place in the people's business, but some serious corner cutting was also suggested to keep the cost down. The remarks really showed a lack of interest in providing a professional final product and a willingness to bring the county business to the people. I hope between now and when the item is back on the agenda (it was tabled today) the judge and commissioners will see the light and move forward to make this happen.
Though it didn't get the level of priority I wanted to see from my own colleagues on the Joshua City Council, video taping our meetings is on our action plan for the year. I hope we can pull it off. If our town of 6,000 gets it done before the county of 160,000 then all suspicions will be confirmed - we need a change at the county level.
A.J.
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