From Deseret News archives:

Recording meetings is healthy

Published: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006 11:27 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
It's not too surprising that some public officials might be skittish about recording every word they utter during public meetings. Then, there's no denying that a public official swore, used a racial epithet or said anything else that could be construed as inappropriate or even slanderous.

But the flip side to accurate and complete recordings of proceedings is that elected officials have an opportunity to let the tape speak for itself on those occasions they believe their words have been misquoted, taken out of context or otherwise misconstrued for political reasons.

That's why there is considerable merit to HB16, sponsored by Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden. It would require some kind of recording of public meetings. It's a requirement that's long overdue. Earlier this week, the Utah House of Representatives passed HB16 by a vote of 46-26. The Senate should likewise approve it.

If senators need to be convinced of the need for full and accurate recordings of public meetings, they need only to consult with Donnelson, who said he has been misquoted in "cryptic" hand-written minutes of meetings. Other lawmakers such as Rep. Dave Hogue, R-Riverton, said one Riverton City Council member had edited the minutes of official meetings, changing statements to reflect "what the speaker really meant to say."

Story continues below
The pain of public service — and for that matter, publishing a newspaper — is that one's actions and one's account of public proceedings are there for all to see. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Those who are concerned about misspeaking, swearing or using offensive language should choose their words more carefully. Seemingly, if all involved were aware that the tape was rolling, they might conduct themselves in a more thoughtful manner. That's a good virtue.

Credit Donnelson for seeking an accurate and complete record of public proceedings, be it a special service district or the Utah Legislature. As the House vote for HB16 suggests, lawmakers — perhaps better than anyone — appreciate the need for accurate records of governmental proceedings.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for these guys, and for EVERYONE!!! SOOOOOOOO...

Thank you for the interesting and informative article. Everyone benefits when...

Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day

There's tremendous parity in the MLS, during the regular season there aren't...

The initial concept of the Skins game had a certain appeal. However, to be a...

Suspicious. Well, everything maybe as you say, but just like the medical...

Ex-legislators call for ethics reform

As a Republican who strongly supports the ethics initiative, Utah GOP...

Maybe we could all meet for punch and cookies before the game?

Boys basketball rankings

For everyone talking about provo and olympus. Last year means nothing,...

Utes' Wynn in for awakening

Maybe so, but we can still beat BYU, who is beyond dwindled.

Ben, She didn't write the book, someone wrote it for her. Obama is...

Advertisements