Sunday, July 31, 2011

Residents like the idea of recording meetings

 We occasionally see things politicians do that make us want to support them. One of those instances has arisen in the past week, during which time multiple sources familiar with the situation told us that City of Lockport Alderman Jack Smith revealed to the council that he has been secretly recording executive session meetings of the city council. Smith, who is abandoning his council seat in a run for mayor of the city, has been secretly recording the council's executive sessions for the past year.


Frankly, Smith's approach to governing is very gratifying. We feel the closed door executive sessions are being abused by politicians to keep issues from residents. While we're not going to speculate on Smith's motives or intentions, the fact that he is willing to step up to the plate and go against the status Que. To such levels for what appears to be to help inform residents and protect himself on what is going on behind closed doors. Look what goes on in the county legislator meetings, secret meetings behind closed doors isn't this a free country?

Dose Jack need to explain to the voters why he's done what he's done? No I am sure the voters understand. 

Are there serious concerns about the legality of Smith's actions? No there is not, it was totally legal. We strongly encourage residents to support recordings of all meetings. We give  Smith a A+, keep it up Jack your doing a great job. Sorry Tucker regime no laws have been violated and the public's trust in Jack has been growing.