The Progressive Dems are taking the lead in calling for a legislative term marked by the passage of open government and transparency legislation. The first round is TODAY January 13th, when they will be meeting with 21 state senators to urge action on HB-1. (See below the fold for the full press release.)
But what can you do in the meantime if you can’t make it to opening day?
I highly recommend writing to the Delaware State News’ “Soundoff” editor and calling out Thurman Adams by name. The Delaware State News is the “Downstate Daily” so you are sure to get the ear of Mr. Adams.
Here is the link email address: soundoff@newszap.com
The “soundoff” submissions are anonymous and editors have been open to printing satire so if you want to write, for example, that you “really don’t want to know what the general assembly is doing” and “Thurman Adams is like a wise father who keeps information that we would not understand away from us,” I would encourage it. If you want to do a more serious submission pointing out that “for the last six years, Thurman Adams has put proposed legislation to open our government into his infamous desk drawer, barring any hearing or vote on it.” That would be great too.
I’ll be watching the “Soundoff” section and reporting back on open government submissions.
LET THE SUN SHINE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Citizens urge passage of HB-1 to bring state lawmakers under FOIA
Delaware voters who believe they have a right to know how their tax dollars will be spent and how their state government operates will rally Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Legislative Hall in Dover, the opening day of the 2009 Legislative Session.
They will meet with 21 state senators to urge swift passage of HB-1. The bill, which is expected to pass in the House this session, will make the General Assembly subject to Freedom of Information laws — and allow the public to know how decisions that affect their lives and pocketbooks are made. At present, the General Assembly is the only government entity permitted by law – a law it created – to operate in secret.
Delaware’s voters have repeatedly said they want open government. Many of our elected officials campaigned on the promise that they would open Delaware’s secretive government to public scrutiny. It’s time to hold them to their word.
To pass legislation that would open the deliberations of the General Assembly to the public, our officials will need the courage and the support of voters to thwart the powerful Senator Thurman Adams (D-19th), President Pro Tempore of the Delaware Senate. For the last six years, Sen. Adams has put proposed legislation to open our government into his infamous desk drawer, barring any hearing or vote on it. Legislators have been unwilling or unable to override Sen. Adams’ desk-drawer vetoes, and the status quo has remained intact. “That has to change,” said Rebecca Young, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats for Delaware. “This is the year for change” Young said, “when across America there is a fresh breath of hope and a mandate for change, to put an end to backroom deal-makin g and to open the doors of our state government.”