When it comes to closed sessions, and confidential information learned during closed sessions, the decision to provide greater transparency must reflect the collective judgment of the decision-making body. As discussed in this column there can often be competing “right” values at stake in a situation.
This article addresses the difficult issue of what to do when one is tempted to lie to protect one's public agency from the application of a seemingly unfair law. The article concludes that telling the truth is always the best course of action.
When elected officials serve on regional governing bodies, they can face perplexing issues as to whose interests they should be advancing. This article sorts through some of those issues.
(Four-page tipsheet): Provides a handy reference on the kinds of issues that ought to trigger a conversation with agency counsel or the Fair Political Practices Commission.
This fictional vignette offers thoughts on how an official might respond should a campaign supporter ask for something in return for campaign support. Download video »
RSS Feeds