Interestingly, even with this official group, when I expressed interest in attending their meetings as an observer, I was informed of the Brown Act prohibition. While such groups have existed informally over the years, it is time that their structure is reviewed and mission reexamined. If found to be necessary and a viable means to discuss and develop policy recommendations, they should be reconstituted as official bodies with open and noticed meetings. The community is best served when all its elected officials meet openly. There is no reason or topic that involves this community and its schools that cannot be discussed publicly and openly.
Democracy demands open government at all levels.
The Glendale City Council has taken giant steps in opening and televising all council and commission meetings. The City's use of cable television to open access and provide community information, education and participation has been an excellent step in open government. The Glendale Board of Education should reconsider its position relative to open access and information using cable casting. Society is best served when all meetings and issues are discussed openly, freely and publicly.