Sawyer and I share the same motivation for government transparency. It’s about the people. City residents pay taxes. If we are asked to pay more to fund certain city functions, then we believe the people should know how it gets done. The people have a right to know how their money is being spent in the city.

Seeing the good that comes out of our city government with transparency, I asked Sawyer why the hold up. What are the roadblocks in front of open government for the city?

“Convincing other elected officials to think the same way,” Sawyer responded. Really? The lone Republican is for it? What does that mean? To me, I see our Democratic council members not leading the charge on an issue that is a win-win for both sides. The people get to interact with their government and the council members build a better, more responsive voter base.

Sawyer then shared his recent history in regards to our city being transparent.

“Earlier this year, the state comptroller general was urging local governments to offer online viewing of their finances. I thought it was a good idea and asked the city's administrator and finance director to see if this could become a reality for our city. It worked and I'm pleased with the results.”

So am I. It feels good to see where the money goes. It suppresses the rumor mill. It shows numbers. I was also pleased with Jeanette Ard, who won a seat on council and will take office in January, and her diligence to provide transparency.

Now, I get to a campaign issue I pushed for a while, with no decent response from a few: Televised city council meetings. Sawyer had this gem to offer.

“During my first term on city council (1996-2000), I suggested that we televise our meetings. Time Warner even came to two meetings and taped them so they could be shown at a later date on one of their channels. Some of the other council members were not happy with having the meetings televised so it was dropped. I would like all of our residents to have the opportunity to see their government at work. You can view state and federal government in session. Local government effects more people than state and federal government and I think residents should be able to see what their local government is doing. “

So, we’ve been down the road. We’ve actually had a chance to make this happen. Why not make it happen? It’s really past due. I urge our city council to find the way, the means and the resolve to enact televised meetings. Our city residents deserve it. It’s about the people who elected you in good faith.

Then, there was a key comment Sawyer offered up to me that I actually agree with 100 percent.

“I don't see transparency in government as being Democrat or Republican. I see it as a way of being honest with the citizens who have faith in you as their elected official.”

Exactly. The idea of a chosen few being allowed to participate should be over. We have partisan elections in the city because parties’ principles do shine through with our council’s actions. But I feel partisanship should be laid aside for the common good of the people and being transparent is that common good.

No matter how I feel about Sawyer and his stance on many issues, this is one I totally support. And using this premise, our other council members should be enacting more transparency to show honesty towards our city residents. I, for one, am sick of rumor mills in the city. I think Sawyer feels the same way.

“Folks are usually upset and skeptical with their government and I think more transparency is a way to relieve them of some of their fears, misconceptions and never ending rumors.”

Indeed.

With this column, I hope people can forgo the constant battery of attacks on people who actually have good ideas and solutions. Instead, why not push the people in power that will take office in January to do something about the lack of transparency in our city government.

Sure, we could start now. Let’s build a foundation for the mayor-elect and incoming members. It will benefit us all in the long run.