tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985175268606141141.post-20699048247885607392007-11-30T11:44:00.000-05:002007-11-30T12:03:54.448-05:002007-11-30T12:03:54.448-05:00Tuesday afternoon from 2-8pm in Kissimmee, FL was a meeting with the Commission on Open Government.<br />The commission hears concerns of citizens from all over the state about problems and issues with openness and Florida Sunshine Law. (In FL public business is supposed to be done in the sunshine with the public invited to all appropriate meetings and any paperwork, email, and the like deemed public record to be accessable to citizens.)<br />There were a variety of issues brought before the commission, but the CSX rail realignment and ILC was the most prevelent. <br />Some of the concerns that were brought forward to the board was the FDOT's lack of communication about the proposed rail deal, FDOT reluctance in turning over emails and information about the rail deal without a fuss, how could $500 million of state money be spent by the governor without going before legislature, notices not being given to county officials as well as surrounding cities, and Gov. Crist's unwillingness to meet with resident and city/county officials impacted by project.<br />We spoke in length to some of the council members during the break and even they being from surrounding counties were not aware of the deal and we had just brought it to light for them.<br /><br />Our message is simply, if a project can stand up to public scrutiny than so be it, if not and it has to be done secretly, then does anyone need it in the first place and do we trust our government leaders who tried to do this to us? I think not!Dee Dee Chiavuzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04046993066747321413noreply@blogger.com