So-called executive sessions would be taped, videotaped or transcribed and the proceedings would remain sealed unless someone brought suit suggesting that officials had talked about something they weren't supposed to. That measure passed the Illinois House last month. Its fate is uncertain in the Senate. Municipal and school officials are lobbying against it, fearing it will intimidate officials and dampen the spirit of debate in executive sessions. It is an understandable concern.
People usually act more self-conscious when they are being watched or filmed.
Yet, it is important to keep in mind that officials in these circumstances won't be watched unless someone accuses them in court of doing something wrong. And then, the only person watching them will be a judge looking for evidence of impropriety. And, if he or she finds it, the only activity the public will get to see is that which it should have seen in the first place. That is, its own business. Ronald Reagan summed up the issue well when he talked about monitoring missile treaties with the Soviets.