On May 18th, 2024 I sent an email to the mayor of Rockwood and the city administrator requesting the following to be added to the council agenda for discussion and approval via vote:
“Because Rockwood offers technology that allows live streaming of video and audio, it is my request to take advantage of such technology and hold all special council meetings and workshops in the Council Chambers [live streaming technology is only available in the council chambers]. I believe this will add an additional level of transparency in efforts to gain and maintain trust with the residents we serve. This [request] may require staff/council members to be trained on the equipment to ensure continuity of streaming services.”
On June 5th, 2024 we held a regularly scheduled council meeting. I presented the above quoted motion. Co-council responded with:
“We should really have an opportunity to talk amongst ourselves without having a tv camera going on which was the case for having workshops in the other room; a casual atmosphere. The public is welcome, they’re notified. They can come if they want to…I feel people would feel more comfortable expressing their ideas and questions if they didn’t have to worry about a camera being focused on them. I don’t think it’s necessary to livestream a workshop. We should have an opportunity to talk amongst ourselves.”
I responded with additional concerns regarding the desire and need for livestreaming:
“We do have a unique population in Rockwood that are elderly, or maybe they can’t make it; they have a business event or school function and want to be involved but can’t make it to the meeting. If it’s [the meeting] streamed and recorded, they can play back. This was on reason I thought let’s make this available to all of our residents.”
The motion did not pass 4 to 2 with myself and one co-council member voting yes and the mayor and four council voting no.
We serve you, the people. We should be held accountable for what we say and do as it relates to you, the tax paying residents. Elected officials should promote transparency in any and all ways. When elected officials fail to stand for transparency, this raises deep concerns.