Executive sessions: A necessity, or tool to circumvent government transparency

By Jeff Smith

Guest Columnist 

This is my generic assessment of executive sessions allowed by the state and used by local governments. My purpose is to identify a flawed system that will make even the most trusting person suspicious.

Executive sessions are on almost every agenda with local government officials going behind closed doors almost every time they meet. When governments operate behind closed doors on a frequent basis, it raises the obvious question: What are they trying to hide, and why can’t they conduct business in open sessions?

Executive sessions benefit local governments that are inclined to do things in secret. The chances of suffering any consequences are slim, and the public can do little more than trust them.

If questioned about the misuse of executive sessions they would respond in this way, the law requires them not to abuse the executive sessions, just trust us.

Going into executive session, even on personnel matters, is a choice, not a requirement. That’s right. There is no provision in Mississippi state law that requires local officials to go into executive session. Choosing to discuss the public’s business behind closed doors is not public service, it is closer to self-serving. There may be very limited circum-stances when executive sessions are warranted, but every time governments choose to hide the public’s business from the public, that is a poor choice.

Non-mandatory executive sessions to discuss prospective purchases, sale or lease of lands, location relocation or expansion of business or industry are supposedly in the best interest of the taxpayers.

The rationale is it prevents the inflation of land prices. How can it be beneficial to the taxpayer to keep secret the details of how much and for what reason tax dollars are spent?

I maintain that these non-mandatory executive sessions are not in the best interest of taxpayers. It’s common knowledge that a few politically connected individuals and organizations are privileged to information unavailable to most. It’s always denied, but it’s true and those believing the denials probably believe in the Easter Bunny also.

Could public discussion be embarrassing to a politically connected individual with information available only to the members of the “good ole boy’s” club? Darn Right! Could public discussion be a detriment to someone’s reelection? Certainly!

When commercial or government land acquisition can be discussed in secret without disclosing the details to the public, it fuels speculation that such deals can be negotiated above the market value.

Surely 5 elected officials, a county administrator/city manager/mayor and numerous representatives from wealthy corporations can recognize fair market value instead of price inflation by landowners. So, what is the reason for secrecy?

 

SportsPlus

News

Picayune Police, Perry County Deputies Enhance Firearm Skills with Specialized Training

News

Foiled Lumber Theft Leads to Arrests in Pearl River County

News

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Hosts Quarterly Awards, Honors Deputies and Citizens for Outstanding Service

News

Krewe of the Pearl Crowns New King and Queen for 2024-2025

News

CWD educational session headlines MDWFP commission meeting

News

Luxus Health and Wellness Hosts Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

News

Pearl River County Board of Supervisors Approves Grants for Law Enforcement, Parks, and Public Safety

News

U.S. Attorney’s Office to Oversee Election Integrity in Southern Mississippi for 2024 General Election

News

Kaitlyn Molinere Promoted to Picayune Memorial Library Branch Manager

News

Picayune Police and Partner Agencies Conduct Patrols, Make Multiple Arrests

News

Pearl River Central High School Community Garden Receives Support from Master Gardeners, Home Depot

News

Captain Rhonda Johnson Graduates from Certified Investigators Program

News

Lori Cossitt Recognized at City Council for Ms. Mississippi Senior Title

News

Hunters, Harvest Needed to Help Deer

News

Pearl River County Hospital to Host DEA National Takeback Event

News

Picayune School District Recognizes Top-Scoring Students at Friday Night Football Game

News

Governor Reeves Approves Deployment of Law Enforcement to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene Response

News

Pearl River Central to Host First-Ever Community Pep Rally Ahead of Home Game

News

Annie Takes the Stage at Picayune Theatre

News

City of Poplarville to Replace Water Meters with Advanced Electronic Models

News

Local Man Arrested for Drug-Related Charges in Picayune

News

Picayune Police Host Annual National Night Out, Fostering Community Engagement

News

Picayune Police Department to Receive New Bloodhound for Investigative Use

News

Picayune City Council Proclaims October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Honors Local Author