Call or Write about Recordings (updated)

The Mayor was in attendance at the committee meeting of January 12, 2015 when this announcement was made: “Mr. Vincent advised that the League of Women Voters have approved a donation of funds to pay for recording equipment for the Bay Village City Council Chambers and conference room.” She said nothing that night and to my knowledge, said nothing in the weeks and months that followed. Instead, she made herself scarce last night and let someone else speak for her. (re post: To Record or Not to Record)

The Mayor has had ample opportunity to object to the recording equipment.  Audio equipment that provides residents, who are unable to attend meetings, the ability to listen online has been discussed since the last election – November 2013. There are of course many other advantages to having this technology. Thanks to Councilman Paul Vincent’s efforts and the League of Women Voters promise of a generous gift, their ideas and hard work were becoming reality.

In regards to last night’s comments, one now wonders - Could she take the money and then refuse to spend it in the intended manner?  Could she refuse the gift outright? Doing either of these would confirm the feeling that we the public do not deserve transparency; that the city does not want to find a way to inform all residents or allow us an easy way to be involved.

In fairness, there is the hope that the Mayor will do the right thing. If you are in favor of having the recording equipment in the conference room and Council Chambers, you can express your opinion or concerns by calling or emailing the Mayor’s office.

dsutherland@cityofbayvillage.com    (440)899-3416

(added info from earlier in the same meeting): "Mr. Alex Dade, representing the League of Women Voters, announced that the League has long been focused on making sure that the voters have the most complete and accurate information about what goes on in our government to help them make informed voting decisions. The League has earmarked $10,000 out of the Hirsh Education Fund to be given to City Council to help them provide a recording system for both the Council Chamber and the Committee Room. It will include an I-pad for the Clerk to control the recordings to play back and those recordings can be posted on the City’s website for the public to access. There are some hoops to be ironed out, but in a couple of months the project should be able to be started. Mr. Koomar expressed appreciation to Mr. Dade and the League of Women Voters."