| Information often buried in department files |  | Publicly available information obtainable online & through the local library |
| Most meetings are virtually unattendable because of time, location, or unseen notices | | All meetings which are "public" by law must be webcast; public can give comment online |
| Public notice given for limited items and buried in the legal notices | | More public notice; all notice posted online; notice sent to individuals who request it |
| Administrative matters often put into effect without public knowledge or input | | Advance notice of administrative matters put online and sent to those who request it |
| Proposed legislation often hidden behind obscure or misleading titles and �captions� | | All legislation must be explained & citizen questions answered before it is introduced |
| Claim of �proprietary information� often used to hide information from the public | | Eliminates numerous loopholes and makes it extremely difficult to hide information |
| Information needed to make informed public comment is often unavailable before hearings | | Full disclosure of information when hearings are first scheduled and advertised |
| Public comment limited to 3 minutes | | Full organized presentations possible |
| Public comment and hearings poorly attended by Council | | A quorum (majority) of Council must attend all testimony, comment, and presentations |
| No effective means for proactive public participation in the City�s governance | | Public participation body established to facilitate active citizen involvement |
| Practically impossible for individuals and citizen groups to uncover backroom deals and/or disclose what�s really going on | | Strong framework for citizen access to the inside workings of City government; ability to review matters and inform the public |
| New candidates for public office come from the party machine; incumbent politicians buy favor using their office as an election tool | | Average citizens can learn how government operates, prove their proficiency with the issues, and build support to run for office |
| The ear of Council and the administration is open to those making campaign contributions; citizen input often gets short shrift | | Council and the administration are held accountable and must give their full attention to hear and consider citizen input |
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Status quo vs Open Gov't
