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Editorial: Investigation can determine whether mobility authority broke open meetings law

2016-02-08T18:59:08-06:00

By Editorial Board Austin American-Statesman Originally published Feb. 6, 2016 The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority again has come under fire regarding concerns about whether it is doing the public’s business in secret. At this point, there are few options in getting answers from CTRMA officials, whose statements to Travis County commissioners last week triggered questions about whether they are violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. The CTRMA is an independent governing agency with no direct accountability to the public. For those reasons, as well as the agency’s history of shielding information from the public, we support Travis County Commissioner Brigid [...]

Editorial: Investigation can determine whether mobility authority broke open meetings law2016-02-08T18:59:08-06:00

Commissioner says toll road agency appears to be violating Open Meetings Act

2016-02-03T18:18:36-06:00

By Sean Collins Walsh Austin American-Statesman Originally published Feb. 2, 2016 Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea on Tuesday called for an investigation into whether the Austin area’s toll road agency is habitually violating the Open Meetings Act. Shea, a vocal critic of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, said that Charles Heimsath, an agency board member, made statements last week that indicated the authority regularly violates the Open Meetings Act, which prohibits a quorum of any voting body’s members from deliberating outside of public view except in special circumstances. Over Shea’s objections, the Commissioners Court voted 3-2 Tuesday to reappoint Heimsath [...]

Commissioner says toll road agency appears to be violating Open Meetings Act2016-02-03T18:18:36-06:00

Denton City Council repeals ordinance after allegation it violated free speech

2015-12-17T14:40:29-06:00

By Jenna Duncan Denton Record-Chronicle Originally published Dec. 15, 2015 The Denton City Council voted unanimously to repeal a nearly 10-year-old ordinance stating that council members who spoke about closed session items outside of the session could face criminal charges. While the agenda said the council would consider amending the ordinance to remove any criminal penalties, council member Kevin Roden moved to take the ordinance off the books altogether. He pressed City Attorney Anita Burgess to explain there are strict laws in place at the state level to ensure ethical behavior of elected officials, and harsher punishments for those who don’t [...]

Denton City Council repeals ordinance after allegation it violated free speech2015-12-17T14:40:29-06:00

HCC board hired lawyer without vote

2015-12-15T14:05:53-06:00

By Benjamin Wermund Houston Chronicle Originally published Dec. 14, 2015 As conflict roiled the upper reaches of Houston Community College early last year, the institution's board chairman, Neeta Sane, told her fellow trustees during a closed-door session that they needed to hire an outside lawyer to negotiate a contract for an incoming chancellor. The attorney, Vidal Martinez, would come to do much more and earn a total of $200,463 in legal fees working both for the board and, later, HCC's administration - though no vote or discussion of Sane's decision to hire him ever took place in public. In addition to [...]

HCC board hired lawyer without vote2015-12-15T14:05:53-06:00

Protect free speech, open government in Texas by donating today

2015-12-01T16:46:34-06:00

Today is Giving Tuesday, a special day for giving back to your community by contributing to non-profits that work for the public good. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is one of these organizations. Please consider contributing today to protect First Amendment rights and open government. The FOI Foundation of Texas was formed in 1978 and has worked continuously for the public's right to know. Funding for our 501(c)(3) comes from grants and contributions by companies and individuals. Any level of giving is appreciated. Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information visit our website's Donation page. Thanks to everyone who takes [...]

Protect free speech, open government in Texas by donating today2015-12-01T16:46:34-06:00

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