BOE Approves Televising Their Meetings

In a unanimous vote last night the Franklin BOE approved the televising of their meetings. Phillip Kramer, Director of Taxpayers United in Franklin, was greatly gratified. "I first brought this up in August of 2005. I've pushed for it at almost every BOE meeting since then. At first the only BOE member that liked it was Mike Kanarek."

According to Kramer BOE members began to come around slowly but the major turning points were last April when three incumbent BOE members were voted out of office and at about the same time when Councilman Vassanella lead the Franklin JFK Democrat Club to send a letter to the BOE encouraging televising.

The BOE public relations committee had been studying televising for several months and had sent inquires to 16 other districts to learn about the methods they employed. Nine of the 16 districts did in fact televise the meetings.

Plans are for the BOE to spend $8,500 on a camera and $6,000 a year in labor costs. "As everyone knows I've strongly encouraged the BOE to hold down costs but in an open government part of the cost is in keeping the people informed", said Kramer. He added, "This will allow the public to see the hard work that the BOE is doing for our children."

After the PR committee made its recommendations the full BOE voted to begin practice taping in January and cable casting on Patmedia channel 14 in late February.

When asked what Kramer will work on next he replied, "Well, stay tuned."

© 2003-2010 - Taxpayers United in Franklin