Gov't behind closed doors. The worst kind...
NH’s “Right to Know” law (RSA 91-A) has been in the news as of late. This law proclaims in its preamble that
“Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society.”
It further states that this important law has been created to
“ensure both the greatest possible public access to the actions, discussions and records of all public bodies, and their accountability to the people.”
Unfortunately at times, the tendency by government officials is to do things away from scrutiny- even when they aren’t really doing anything wrong. It just seems… easier.
.
Consider the recent flap over the naming of a new Belknap County Commissioner to fill a vacancy created by the passing of Gordon Bartlett by the County Convention (made up of the elected state representatives from all districts in the county). As recounted by Michael Kitch in the November 21st Laconia Daily Sun (NH), this seemingly simple process became controversial when it was decided that the convention had to do its work behind closed doors:
Consider the recent flap over the naming of a new Belknap County Commissioner to fill a vacancy created by the passing of Gordon Bartlett by the County Convention (made up of the elected state representatives from all districts in the county). As recounted by Michael Kitch in the November 21st Laconia Daily Sun (NH), this seemingly simple process became controversial when it was decided that the convention had to do its work behind closed doors:
“When Thomas [convention chair John Thomas (R-Belmont)] first invited applicants for the post, he announced that only Republicans would be considered.”
So far, no problem, really, as the County Convention was dominated by Republicans and the deceased officeholder was of that party as well. Sure, the Democrats might whine and carry on, but, too bad. They were (and in Belknap County still are) the minority party. No, where Thomas and the Republicans went astray was when they barred the public.
Again, from the aforementioned Daily Sun piece, Michael Kitch writes:
“Once the applications were received, Thomas refused to reveal the identification of the candidates and insisted the convention should interview behind closed doors, claiming the selection process was a ‘personnel matter’ that did not require public disclosure under the Right-to-Know law. Ultimately the convention bowed to pressure, identifying the two candidates and accepting written comment from residents of Belknap County.”
What were they thinking? If people elected to conduct the public’s business cannot do so in an open and visible manner, perhaps they should find something else to do.
.
“But Doug, at least they ultimately did the right thing. They finished the business in public.” Oh really? What about this, again from the Sun, describing the convention’s vote to fill the seat:
“But Doug, at least they ultimately did the right thing. They finished the business in public.” Oh really? What about this, again from the Sun, describing the convention’s vote to fill the seat:
“Voting by secret ballot, 14 members of the convention chose Long over Dave Nielsen…”
Did you catch that? They voted by secret ballot. Here is what the Right to Know law (RSA91A:2- II) has to say about that:
“All public proceedings shall be open to the public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meetings of those bodies or agencies. Except for town meetings, school district meetings and elections, no vote while in open session may be taken by secret ballot.”
Reread the last part. Sounds to me like the County Convention broke the law. Does anyone care?
.
The Sun also reported that at the same meeting, the convention appointed a new member to the Gunstock Commission. Prior to that, 5 applicants were interviewed, yes, you guessed it… “behind closed doors.” This all happened on November 20th.
The Sun also reported that at the same meeting, the convention appointed a new member to the Gunstock Commission. Prior to that, 5 applicants were interviewed, yes, you guessed it… “behind closed doors.” This all happened on November 20th.
.
The Republicans, long the majority party here in NH got resoundingly “thumped” in the last election. At the November 15th meeting of the Belknap County Republicans, the closed-door process which they chose was criticized. It was listed as one possible cause for their lackluster election-day performance. Five days later they engaged in the activities as I noted in the previous two paragraphs. Apparently they just don’t get it...
The Republicans, long the majority party here in NH got resoundingly “thumped” in the last election. At the November 15th meeting of the Belknap County Republicans, the closed-door process which they chose was criticized. It was listed as one possible cause for their lackluster election-day performance. Five days later they engaged in the activities as I noted in the previous two paragraphs. Apparently they just don’t get it...
