NC Open Government

From the Smoky Mountain News (12/10/08): The Macon County commissioners on Monday voted to start having two regularly scheduled meetings a month, rather than just one — a move that follows a Smoky Mountain News article that criticized the board’s meeting practices.

From the Raleigh News and Observer (12/8/08): In the six years since the Better Government Association first rated states on an "integrity index," North Carolina has added an ethics law for the executive branch and banned lobbyists from offering lawmakers golf trips, Super Bowl tickets and other perks.

From the Fayetteville Observer (12/7/08): Police work is multifaceted, stressful, difficult and dangerous — it’s a tough day job. In my opinion, nothing compares except military service, which obviously is a whole different ball game.

From the Hickory Record (12/5/08): A state House committee is wrangling over details of televising legislative sessions, but it appears the House is well on its way to allowing the public to view its deliberations.

From the Raleigh News and Observer (11/26/08): A judge today ordered the release Tuesday of 911 recordings relating to a fatal shooting by Johnston sheriff's deputies, allowing time for agents with the State Bureau of Investigation to interview witnesses.

From the Raleigh News and Observer (11/26/08): A Johnston County judge has blocked the release of tape recordings of 911 calls made just before sheriff's deputies fatally shot a man at his home near Kenly.

From the Smoky Mountain News (11/26/08): A private meeting has been scheduled between the N.C. Department of Transportation and elected leaders to discuss the controversial Southern Loop — a move that seems headed toward a violation of the N.C. Open Meetings Law.

From the Charlotte Observer (11/24/08): Public officials are permitted to meet in private. But their discussions don't have to stay that way, according to state law.

The North Carolina Open Government Association will hold its board meeting from noon-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Elon University.

Celebrate Sunshine Week March 15-21.