More than 20 city and county officials expressed deep opposition Monday to a proposal requiring all government entities subject to the Kansas Open Meetings Act to make public audio recordings of meetings within 24 hours.
Topeka Rep. John Alcala, a former member of the city council, said the state shouldn’t be dissuaded from opening government simply because change might be inconvenient or require new investment.
“This bill moves Kansas a step forward to an all-in transparency state,” he said. “I will end with this quote: Transparency is for those who carry out public duties and exercise public power. Privacy is for everyone else.”
His goal was embraced by the Kansas Press Association and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.
The League of Kansas Municipalities urged the House Judiciary Committee to reject a bill applicable to all boards, commissioners, authorities, councils and committees of city government.
(Read more: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal)