IOWA Secret Deal Criticized

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Advocates of open government said Des Moines and Polk County officials violated the intent of Iowa law and created distrust in the public when they negotiated in secret to reach a gambling deal that will give Des Moines more than $34 million over the next five years. "Iowa's open meetings law is meant to ensure that elected officials act responsibly and efficiently. "' If government officials avoid meeting in public, then they've certainly avoided allowing the public to have a seat at the table,' said Kathleen Richardson, a Drake University professor and executive secretary of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. "…County officials declined at least three news reporters' requests to attend the meeting, indicating it wasn't a public session. "Iowa law requires advance notice and, with few exceptions, open meetings of city and county governments where at least half of the group's members are present. "Mauro, chairman of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, defended the closed sessions. Several groups were interested in the gambling issue and an open meeting would have made negotiations almost impossible, he said…"