As JLF’s Joe Coletti blogged earlier this morning over in the Locker Room, the News & Observer was not allowed into a meeting of state legislative leaders yesterday morning.
So which one of the following statements is true?
First, here’s what the story attributes to Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand (emphasis is mine):
Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, a Fayetteville Democrat, could not cite a reason under the public meetings law why a reporter would be excluded. But he said the meeting had nothing to do with the budget.“Because we were just hearing a report from staff,” Rand said. “It had nothing to do with negotiations.”
He said the report was an “economic briefing.”What did it say?
“We’re not sure.”
Why can’t a reporter listen to that?
“Because we’re trying to determine if there’s something we want to do,” Rand said. “I mean, that was just a staff thing.”
Related to the budget?
“Related to anything.”
Second, here’s what the story attributes to Dan Gerlach, Gov. Mike Easley’s senior budget advisor, who attended the meeting (emphasis is mine):
Budget negotiators were the only ones attending. A glimpse into the meeting showed Dan Gerlach, senior budget adviser to Gov. Mike Easley, and legislative fiscal workers addressing the lawmakers.
Gerlach left several minutes later.
What were they meeting about?
“Talking about the budget,” Gerlach said as he walked away.
Now folks can understand why some legislators are so upset and concerned over the lack of transparency and inclusiveness in the budget writing process, which results in the disenfranchisement of millions of North Carolinians.
This is deplorable.
