County Supervisors Advance Meeting, Information Transparency Policies

SAN DIEGO, CA — The county Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously advanced three measures their sponsor described as a "hat trick of reforms designed to ensure the public can see, understand and participate in how decisions are made at the county."

Supervisor Joel Anderson said in statement the board vote represents "the dawn of new transparency at the county."

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"For too long, important conversations have happened out of public view," he added. "These reforms reaffirm that the public deserves a clear window into the board's work and not just on the final vote."

The changes are:

-- a framework for board ad hoc subcommittees, including open and accessible meetings, posted agendas, live-streaming of meetings and recordings, and available materials and membership information;

-- a standardized process to ensure polling is unbiased and legal, via an independent review of questions and disclosure of survey instruments, results and contracts, "reinforcing that public funds must never be used to shape opinion, only to understand it," according to Anderson's office; and

-- advancing a standardized Public Records Act process, with the county centralizing intake, tracking and document compilation "while ensuring consistent review and timely responses" to make it easier for the public and media to access information.

According to Anderson's office, Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton will return to the board with implementation plans and a timeframe for each measure.

The transparency measures will "likely require another vote, but it should be more procedural than anything as the board has already indicated their support for these items," according to his office. "Details, depending on the CAO's implementation plans, could be altered or changed at a future meeting."

Anderson thanked his board colleagues for their support.

"When government operates in the open, it builds confidence, invites participation and ultimately leads to better decisions," he added.

— City News Service