MAPLE HEIGHTS - ONE COUNCILMAN WE WON'T ALLOW YOU TO SHUT UP

Maple Heights is under fiscal watch, but that doesn't stop them from creating more problems for themselves.

 

WATCH

 

Councilman Brownlee's Youtube page



Can also be seen HERE

COUNCILMAN BROWNLEE'S REMOVAL FROM MAPLE HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL, AND THE REMOVAL OF HIS CAMERA IS A BLOW TO GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY

I wish the last 7 minutes of the May 21st Maple Heights council meeting video tape didn't upset me, but it has.  Councilman Brownlee's removal from the council meeting should never have happened.  The removal of his camera by the law director should never (in my opinion) have occurred; and the lack of response (by other council members) to the councilman's removal, and the removal of the camera is disturbing.  

I think a lot of politicians/public officials/political appointees from city municipalities are not used to being challenged publicly.   They are not used to the type of government transparency that citizens are demanding and the courts have allowed.  And while these politicians, etc may not like it (and I understand why), it is necessary.  I direct you to the White House web page on transparency.  A message/memo from President Obama.

"Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

SUBJECT:      Transparency and Open Government

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government.  We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.

Government should be transparent.  Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing.  Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset. My Administration will take appropriate action, consistent with law and policy, to disclose information rapidly in forms that the public can readily find and use. Executive departments and agencies should harness new technologies to put information about their operations and decisions online and readily available to the public. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public feedback to identify information of greatest use to the public.

Government should be participatory. Public engagement enhances the Government's effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions. Knowledge is widely dispersed in society, and public officials benefit from having access to that dispersed knowledge. Executive departments and agencies should offer Americans increased opportunities to participate in policymaking and to provide their Government with the benefits of their collective expertise and information. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public input on how we can increase and improve opportunities for public participation in Government.

Government should be collaborative.  Collaboration actively engages Americans in the work of their Government. Executive departments and agencies should use innovative tools, methods, and systems to cooperateamong themselves, across all levels of Government, and with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals in the private sector.  Executive departments and agencies should solicit public feedback to assess and improve their level of collaboration and to identify new opportunities for cooperation.

I direct the Chief Technology Officer, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Administrator of General Services, to coordinate the development by appropriate executive departments and agencies, within 120 days, of recommendations for an Open Government Directive, to be issued by the Director of OMB, that instructs executive departments and agencies to take specific actions implementing the principles set forth in this memorandum. The independent agencies should comply with the Open Government Directive.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
This memorandum shall be published in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA"

What President Obama is committed to, your mayor,  council representative, department head, law director, and other public employees must also be committed to.  

Vigorous debate, discussions, sharing of ideas, criticism, community engagement is desirable and necessary if you want a financially healthy, vibrant community.  

 

RELATED:

Promoting Transparent, Effective and Accountable Government

Open Government

 

 

 

HAS "OPEN GOVERNMENT" SHUT DOWN IN MAPLE HEIGHTS?

IS MAPLE HEIGHTS (OHIO) GOVERNMENT (WHICH IS IN/UNDER FISCAL WATCH) OUT OF CONTROL? ANONYMOUS SOURCES REPORT THAT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, JACKIE ALBERS HAD A COUNCILMAN REMOVED BY THE POLICE BECAUSE HE ASKED QUESTIONS (?)  Call and ask


WHAT IF HE HAD REFUSED TO LEAVE?  WHAT RULES WERE IN PLACE THAT GAVE Council President JACKIE ALBERS THE RIGHT TO DO WHAT SHE DID? SHOULD SHE BE REMOVED AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT?

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? DO SOME OF THESE POLITICIANS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANSWERING CERTAIN QUESTIONS OR BEING CRITIQUED OR HAVING "SUNLIGHT" ON WHAT GOES ON IN MAPLE HEIGHTS GOVERNMENT?


COUNCILMAN BROWNLEE DID NOT CAUSE THIS GOVERNMENT TO BE IN FISCAL WATCH.  WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO SHUT HIM UP!!

[A BLOW TO GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY]: COUNCILMAN BROWNLEE'S VIDEO CAMERA (HE WAS TAPING THE COUNCIL MEETING AS HE HAS DONE FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS) WAS PHYSICALLY REMOVED BY THE LAW DIRECTOR. 

 

HAS "OPEN GOVERNMENT" SHUT DOWN IN MAPLE HEIGHTS? 

THERE NEEDS TO BE A FULL INVESTIGATION, AND MAPLE HEIGHTS RESIDENTS NEED TO SPEAK UP AND DEMAND ANSWERS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND IS HAPPENING IN THEIR GOVERNMENT!!


SHOULD THIS BE A MATTER FOR THE OHIO SUPREME COURT TO ADDRESS?   IF A PATTERN OF INTIMIDATION (BY LEADERS IN THIS GOVERNMENT) CAN BE ESTABLISHED THEN IT NEEDS TO STOP!!!

PLEASE WATCH AT LEAST THE LAST 5-6 MINUTES OF THIS TAPE.

COMMENT: MAPLE HEIGHTS AFRICAN AMERICAN GAZETTE, MAY 18, 2014

We are delighted that Councilman Bill Brownlee (District 5) has been successful in illuminating some of the functions/events in Maple Heights governance with his videos of council meetings, etc. 

 

This is a huge step in "open government" in Maple Heights.



Throughout 2012 and 2013 we watched what we consider obstruction to “open government” in Maple Heights.

 

Unfortunately, this year we also witnessed the shocking and successful attempts by council leadership, to repeatedly silence Councilman Brownlee. This councilman does not yell, stomp his feet, wave his hands, or physically attack anyone.  Yet, the council leadership has sought this councilman’s physical removal from a council meeting (by a member of law enforcement [***]) on more than one occasion.

Can anyone recall when a councilman/woman was threatened with being physically removed by a member of the police force unless he/she stop talking?

   

Regarding "Music in the Park" series 2012/2013:

Meeting after meeting we've watched various members of Maple Heights city council and/or people who have backed the mayor, come out in support and praise of the Director of Human Services.   

 

There is no denial of the good works that come out of that department.  What we do object to, and that many (especially of European ancestry) fail to grasp, is the (in our opinion)  major highlighting of European culture (which is the director's background) over the culture and background of the majority of the residents who happen to be African American.  Research after research has exposed the systemic design to deny AfricanAmerican culture and history in the United States.

 

Our residents are in dire need of money; yet (in our opinion), the “Music in the Park” donations flow to those of predominantly European ancestry and to those who live outside the city.  This was pointed out to that department (again) last year, and the result was the use of the “N” word in the comment section of a 2012 (Music in the Park) post; followed by council (who were –and still are- predominantly of European background) contributing to a singer with the same ancestry; and the series staying pretty much the same.  This arrogance should have sent a chill (and “wake up call”) through the Maple Heights African American community. 

 

The cancelling (?) of the “Music in the Park” series (this year) which we’ve been told has always been funded through solicited donations, was seen by us as defiance for our persistence in asking that department  to highlight the culture/background of the majority in Maple Heights and giving the majority of those donations to those entertainment groups who represent the racial/cultural majority and who actually live in our city.  We feel it is and should have been the responsible and financially sound thing to do.

 

 

Related:

The Importance of Culture


The Need For Afrikan Culture and Traditions


The Importance of Black History
 

African-American culture - Wiki

 

Dr. Joy DeGruy - Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome


open government

 

Inside the Groundbreaking of the National Museum of African American

 

Homeland - African American Roundtable - Culture and Identity


***May 14, 2014 - Special Meeting (Part 1) threat to remove councilman by a member of law enforcement (SEE 17 MINUTES INTO VIDEO)

 

NEWSLETTER: SUNSHINE WEEK FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT_MARCH 16-22

Press Release Feb 18 - 11:05am The free press and freedom of information news service of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

PRESS RELEASE Sunshine Week for open government planned March 16-22; ASNE and Reporters Committee partner again as co-sponsors FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Contact media@rcfp.org or (703) 807-2104 The annual Sunshine Week initiative focusing on the importance of open government is scheduled for March 16-22, with events already planned around the nation. As national co-sponsors of Sunshine Week, the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press are hosting the main website for information about freedom of information, free materials for participants to use, a calendar of events and a list of participants. "We are very pleased to again be partnering with the Reporters Committee to provide the core resources for anyone who wants to participate in Sunshine Week," ASNE's First Amendment Programs and Partnerships Committee Co-Chairs Lucy Dalglish and Steve Engelberg said in a statement. "Anyone -- not just media organizations -- can utilize the resources, have their events listed or be included as participants. We're always pleased to see the broad reach of this initiative -- to educators, government officials, civic groups, libraries and others. It shows us in a real way that government transparency isn't just the concern of journalists; it's for everyone." "We are excited to continue our work with ASNE as co-sponsors of the Sunshine Week initiative," said Reporters Committee Executive Director Bruce D. Brown. "Together, we can ensure that Sunshine Week brings the best materials to the widest audience and that its legacy as one of the most effective annual open-government awareness projects endures." Among the events and activities already planned for Sunshine Week 2014 are: The Newseum Institute's First Amendment Center, in partnership with OpenTheGovernment.org, and separately the Collaboration on Government Secrecy at American University's Washington College of Law, will each hold a celebration of Freedom of Information Day with a series of panel discussions and awards presentations. The Reporters Committee will host a panel discussion with prominent journalists and legal experts discussing transparency and the U.S. Supreme Court. Open government events are also planned during the week by the D.C. Open Government Coalition, FOI Oklahoma and the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. New Mexico State University is holding an infographic contest for students, utilizing the state's Open Meetings Act or Inspection of Public Records Act as the work's focus. The winners will be announced at a public ceremony during Sunshine Week. The contest is sponsored by NMSU alumnus Tim Parker, the NMSU Library and the NMSU Department of Journalism & Mass Communications. In Florida, Lee County Clerk Linda Doggett will hold a free public training seminar on how to find public information posted on the clerk's office website. Training brochures and reference materials will be provided to attendees. A roster of Sunshine Week participants and events listings are posted on the Sunshine Week website. To have your organization or event listed, please email sunshineweek@asne.org. This email also can be used for submissions for the Toolkit, a free online resource of materials available to any participant during Sunshine Week. For the first time, the Sunshine Week website has added a feature called "The Vault," which showcases some of the Toolkit materials created for 2013. Although these resources cannot be used in 2014 without the creator's permission, they are being posted to spur ideas and inspiration. Sunshine Week was launched by ASNE in 2005 and quickly grew to a nationwide event celebrated by national and local news media on all publishing platforms; federal, state and local governments; grade schools and universities; libraries; archivists; scientists; nonprofit and civic organizations; and individual citizens. Reporters Committee, which has been a participant since the launch, officially joined ASNE as a leading partner in 2012. Sunshine Week 2014 is made possible by an endowment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and by donations from the Gridiron Club and Foundation. About the American Society of News Editors The American Society of News Editors focuses on leadership development and journalism-related issues. Founded in 1922 as a nonprofit professional organization, ASNE promotes fair, principled journalism, defends and protects First Amendment rights, and fights for freedom of information and open government. Leadership, innovation, diversity and inclusion in coverage and the journalism workforce, youth journalism and the sharing of ideas are also key ASNE initiatives. Learn more at asne.org. About the Reporters Committee Founded in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press offers free legal support to thousands of working journalists and media lawyers each year. It is a leader in the fight against persistent efforts by government officials to impede the release of public information, whether by withholding documents or threatening reporters with jail. In addition to its 24/7 Legal Defense Hotline, the Reporters Committee conducts cutting-edge legal research, publishes handbooks and guides on media law issues, files frequent friend-of-the-court legal briefs and offers challenging fellowships and internships for young lawyers and journalists. For more information, go to http://www.rcfp.org/ or follow us on Twitter @rcfp. Contacts: Jiyoung Won Communications Coordinator American Society of News Editors jwon@asne.org; 573-882-2430 Debra Gersh Hernandez Communications Director Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press dghernandez@rcfp.org; 703-807-2104

TRANSPARENCY CAMP AND THE SUNLIGHT NETWORK'S CITIZEN ADVOCACY DAY! May 4-6, 2013

FROM THE:

 

We’d like to invite you to two exciting open government events in your area. The first is TransparencyCamp, our yearly gathering of open government advocates taking place in Washington DC on May 4th and 5th. The second is the Sunlight Network’s Citizen Advocacy Day on May 6th, a great opportunity to advocate on greater transparency in Congress.

Please consider joining us for one or both events
and work towards greater transparency in government!

 

TransparencyCamp is a unique gathering,
bringing together journalists, policy creators, technologists, concerned
citizens, academics, watchdogs, students and others gather to build community,
share best practices and problem-solve challenges to work in the transparency
arena. We’re expecting around 500 folks this year and hope you’ll be one of
them. For more information,

head to our website.

 

 

 

 

Citizen Advocacy Day is a unique
opportunity to to tell your senators’ and representatives’ offices to support
greater government transparency. Members of Congress listen to their constituents and participating in Advocacy Day is a great opportunity to connect with your representatives on transparency issues like better lobbying disclosure, smarter open data through the DATA Act and making sure the Senate keeps up the with the times (and the House) by mandating electronic filing of campaign finance reports. If you participate, we will take care of all the details, from setting up the meetings to giving you the information you need (plus a free breakfast) so that you can make a difference. To join us, sign-up here!

 

Thanks,

Lisa and Lindsay

SUNLIGHT FOUNDATION

SUNLIGHT FOUNDATION - TRANSPARENCYCAMP 2013

Register *now* to take advantage of early bird prices!

Available now through March 1st.

TransparencyCamp is an “unconference” for opengov. Each year, journalists, developers, technologists, policy-makers, government officials, students, academics, wonks and everyone in between gather together to share knowledge about how to use new technologies and policies to make our government really work for the people -- and to help our people work smarter with our government.

 

As an unconference, TransparencyCamp emphasizes the important contributions that each and every attendee brings with them into the sessions, workshops, and conversations associated with this event. In fact, attendees (yes, all of them) are brought into the process of making the schedule for the conference with the organizers and are encouraged to step up and lead sessions themselves. (Check out our TCamp 2012 recap video to get a better sense of what we mean.)

This year, Sunlight is partnering with the George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs to bring you the best TCamp yet. We're expecting unprecedented numbers and guests from all over the country and the globe. Hope to see you there!

 

 

REGISTER TODAY

 

 

For more information head to http://TransparencyCamp.org.

 

 

 

For the last five years, we've gathered together a variety of journalists, policy creators, technologists, concerned citizens, academics, watchdogs, students and others to build community, share best practices and problem-solve challenges to work in the transparency arena. Last year, we hosted more than 400 people from more than 30 countries and 26 U.S. states. This year, we’re expecting around 500 participants with even more participation from attendees across the country and abroad. Please check out http://TransparencyCamp.org for a preview of what to expect at this year’s unconference.

 

 

What: TransparencyCamp 2013
Where: George
Washington University (Marvin Center) 800 21st St NW  Washington, DC
20052
When: May 4-5, 2013

Plus, check out videos
here and here from past TCamps and be sure to come with
ideas, share the registration link with your friends, and tweet
#TCamp13!