Keeping the Public's Business Public

Allegations of back room deals and mishandling of tax payers' dimes have left a cloud over local government in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland City Council’s redistricting process, Cuyahoga County’s Medical Mart/Convention Center deal, and even the handling of the federal stimulus package – all have received criticism for lack of public input or open access. The controversies raise questions about official secrecy and the adequacy of "sunshine laws."
Are existing laws sufficient to ensure the public really has a seat at the table? If so, are they being enforced?
We’ll talk to a legal expert on public access issues and to Susan Goldberg, editor of The Plain Dealer, about the press’ role as a public watchdog.
We hope to hear your take as well about keeping the public's business public, Friday at 9 on 90.3.
David Marburger, Partner, Baker Hostetler
Susan Goldberg, Editor, The Plain Dealer
Tim Smith, Chairman, Media Law Center for Ethics and Access, Kent State University