Just tweeted this, but thought I'd say something here: The Brown Act forbids members of the board of supervisors from talking among themselves about city business without... basically being in a supervisors meeting.
Short story: they can't coordinate their votes or strategy unless they give the public 72hrs notice (with a posted agenda), and hold that meeting in a public place.
The other thing they can do is have lobbyists run from room to room talking about who has "indicated willingness to vote" for which options.
The later is how most of City business actually happens.
We are well aware of the Brown Act and never suggested that more than three Supes sit down and have a meeting. We only suggested they vote as a block, which they do all the time.
The way it actually works at City Hall is that a group of 3 Supes meet, then one of the three goes and meets with two others, etc. The Brown Act doesn't prevent coordination, just makes it harder. Thanks for your concern, though.
Just tweeted this, but thought I'd say something here: The Brown Act forbids members of the board of supervisors from talking among themselves about city business without... basically being in a supervisors meeting.
ReplyDeleteShort story: they can't coordinate their votes or strategy unless they give the public 72hrs notice (with a posted agenda), and hold that meeting in a public place.
The other thing they can do is have lobbyists run from room to room talking about who has "indicated willingness to vote" for which options.
The later is how most of City business actually happens.
We are well aware of the Brown Act and never suggested that more than three Supes sit down and have a meeting. We only suggested they vote as a block, which they do all the time.
ReplyDeleteThe way it actually works at City Hall is that a group of 3 Supes meet, then one of the three goes and meets with two others, etc. The Brown Act doesn't prevent coordination, just makes it harder. Thanks for your concern, though.