April 24, 2006

The Mayor of Murfreesboro, TN today confirmed that he opposes "open meetings" reform that goes before the Tennessee Senate today.

"I believe the current statute is adequate," Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg said in an email asking whether he opposes or supports the "Sunshine In Government Improvement Act of 2006" (SB2471 / HB2495). The bill proposes to fine elected officials who fail to comply with the current "open meetings" law.

Mayor Bragg confirmed that neither he nor his office communicated his opposition to "open meetings" reform to the state legislature. "I have had no contact with the County Services Association," Mayor Bragg asserted. "The City of Murfreesboro does not employ a lobbyist."

Mayor Bragg was re-elected without opposition and will be sworn into office on May 1, 2006. Although voter turn out was a disappointing 13%, Mayor Bragg pronounced the silent majority's consent.

"Silence usually means consent," the mayor said. "I think the citizens understand government has been open and responsive in Murfreesboro. We try to include as many people as often as possible."
[Voters stay away from polls - Daily News Journal - 04-20-06]

Tennessee recently received an "F" among government agencies for openness and accountability, allowing many elected officials to operate behind a veil of secrecy.

First, the good news: Thanks to changes to state ethics laws, a watchdog group has moved Tennessee from 44th in the nation to 32nd in how much lawmakers are required to disclose about their business and financial interests.

Now, the bad news: Despite its improved ranking, the Volunteer State still has an F grade, scoring only 57.5 out of 100 possible points for disclosure requirements.

The ranking came out this week from the Washington-based Center for Public Integrity.
[State gets good, bad news in latest ethics ranking - Tennessean - 04-22-06]

The three candidates who won election to the Murfreesboro City Council, along with the Mayor, were among those candidates that received the most money from developers.

Of the almost $170,000 in receipts reported by the 11 council candidates on their preliminary financial disclosures, $29,000 was generated by $1,000 contributions, the maximum allowed per individual per candidate. Five candidates — Tim Davis, David Edwards, Leslee Dodd Karl, Shane McFarland and Doug Young — had two or more $1,000 contributions. There were 50 contributions in the $500 to $975 range which accounted for $26,625. All but six of the contributions in this range were for $500.

John Floyd, president of Ole South developers made a number of those contributions, including $1,000 to McFarland and Young and $500 to Edwards. Since preliminary reports were filed, he has made additional contributions to Karl and Davis.
[Pro-growth donations total $30K - Daily News Journal - 04-16-06]

Also Read:

• A Clarion Call For 'Open Records' Reform in TN Government - April 23, 2006
  
• Tennessee Government Gets 'F' For Accountability - April 22, 2006
  
• The Cost of Secrecy in Tennessee Government Increases - April 20, 2006
  
• TCOG Responds to Chattanooga Mayor's Actions - April 19, 2006