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Workforce representative criticizes special meetings, warns inspector general must be independent
Summary
Keith Nelson, speaking for Workforce, told the Mayor and Council that the city’s use of special meetings reduces transparency and that an inspector general who answers to council cannot provide true independence; he cited a recent waiver of the Sunshine Ordinance and a contested city attorney hire as examples.
Keith Nelson, identifying himself as "Keith Nelson with Workforce," addressed the Mayor and Council by phone and criticized the council’s pattern of using special meetings to conduct important business with reduced notice and participation. "Special meetings are intended to address genuine emergencies or matters that could not reasonably wait," Nelson said, adding that special meetings should not become a management tool to avoid transparency. He urged the council to "stop using procedural shortcuts to conduct major business" and to restore independent oversight.
Nelson also referenced a recent instance when the council "waived the Sunshine Ordinance to rush through the hiring of a city attorney," saying that contract resulted in terms "that most would know would not survive public discussion or scrutiny." He argued the city does not need another employee who answers to the same officials they are supposed to oversee, and he cited Riverside's prior case against Chuck Hunter as an example of why oversight must be independent. Nelson concluded by urging honesty, transparency, ethics and public accountability from the dais.
