Letter - Commissioner meetings should be recorded

To the editor:

I felt compelled to write a letter regarding the recent article that highlighted the fact that cameras are not allowed in the commissioners chambers during meetings.

In other cities, meetings are recorded live and broadcast on public television or even radio. This allows members of the public, who typically do not attend the meetings in person, to get first-hand knowledge of what is going on in their county government – and I emphasis “their.”

It is utterly ridiculous that audio recordings of the meetings are not available for two years. What is the reason for that?

Per Minnesota statute, cameras are not allowed during labor negotiations, and I understand the many reasons for that. However, commissioners ought to do everything they can to include “we the people.” After all, they are conducting our business.

I commend the city of Alexandria for making the meetings more accessible to those who cannot be in attendance. I urge their counterparts at the county to follow suit.

Steve Hensley

Alexandria, MN

Tags: opinion, letters