My latest column, with the above title, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. Almost on cue, one local TV station did a story on the severance package of the city manager Wednesday evening, as well as a bit on the incoming city manager.
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It’s one thing that the citizens aren’t getting the information. After living in Norfolk for more than 30 years, I’ve just about come to expect that. But it’s quite another when the decision-makers aren’t getting it. That’s just, well, depressing.
As Thomas Jefferson said to Tench Coxe in 1795, “Light and liberty go together.”
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In case you are interested, the Virginia Civic Health Index 2010 report cited in my column can be found here.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
One thing the governments in lots of places are telling citizens:
Sit down and shut up.
As someone who fights local government mostly over open meeting laws, it isn’t the province of just one location.
The thing I can’t figure out if these instances are a justification for not removing the Dillon Rule, or positive evidence it should be.
You knew it was impossible to comment without invoking the Dillon Rule. 🙂
You go Tommy, but expect s$!t to roll your way! That just means you are doing the job the citizens expect from their elected representatives!
It takes courage to stand up for transparancy.
Kudos Tommy, thanks for being one of the few with a “spine” and truely looking out for your constituents.
ICYMI: The city website has been updated to include the expiration date of the terms of the members of each board and commission. Here is a sample.
Progress – one step at a time.