For A More Open and Transparent Government in the City of Fresno

(Issued March 25, 2008)

"The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist they may retain control over the instruments they have created."
-- CA Public Records Act

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”(James Madison, a founding father and America’s fourth President)

1.      All Council agendas shall be posted 10 days in advance, not just the legally required 72 hours. This will allow more time for the community to know what the council will be discussing.

2.      The Mayor and Council Members’ calendars should be posted on the web showing who they are meeting with and the subject matter of these meetings.

3.      Late staff memos on controversial issues will be prohibited so that the public can have a better opportunity to respond, and can have all the information to fully participate in the discussion.

4.      Notices of meetings of committees, boards, commissions and advisory bodies will be able to be found online in one place.

5.      Prior to any public vote, the Council Members must disclose, from the dais, any person or group that lobbied them on the issue in front of them.

6.      Adopt a Sunshine Ordinance that will make it easier for the public to know their rights and easier for the public to find out what the city is doing.

7.      Require the Mayor and Council Members to disclose material facts before the Council takes action.

8.      Require the Mayor and Council Members to disclose any political favors or other consideration they are to get in exchange for their votes.

9.      Disclose the names of people serving on advisory committees and keep the list current.

10. Make broader disclosures of what the Council does in closed sessions.

11. Prohibit closed door meetings for city task forces, commissions and committees.

12. Disclose actions taken on complaints received about fraud and abuse.

13. Disclose appraisals used in the purchase or condemnation of property after the deal is done.

14. Require Council Members and their staffs to sign a Code of Conduct.

15. Prohibit Council Member interference with the decisions of City Boards and Commissions.

16. Prohibit Council Member interference with the bidding and RFP process.

17. Create a certified training program for Council Member staff to ensure they are fully aware of laws and ethical standards so they can help their bosses follow the law.

18. Hold regular public hearings on ethical issues around the state so we can learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others.

19. Revise our Ethics Code to specify that it is unethical for Council Members not to follow Council adopted policies without prior approval of the Council.

20. Hold monthly hearings on the status of Council's directives to staff.

21. When the Council is voting to purchase land for an amount greater than appraised value plus ten percent, the Council must reveal the appraisal and the proposal 30 days before it is heard.

22. Prohibit Council members from interfering in the duties and responsibilities of City staff as they carry out their professional duties.