(7) Should Time Warner Cable be forced to broadcast City Council and other public meetings as part of its franchise contract?
Alston: There is a fallacy in this question. The words “force,” “contract” and “Time Warner Cable” are incongruous. However, I will attempt to respond to what I believe is the intent of the question. I have no opposition to the televising of our public meetings, and I support reaching an agreement with Time Warner which would provide for the televising of our meetings.
Gupton: I would like for the meetings of the City Council to be televised locally. This will allow the public to see the body language exhibited by council members when certain issues are raised. There has been much said about some members rolling their eyes and fidgeting when the difficult questions are asked. I view questions as a positive thing.
Harper: It is my suggestion that broadcasting the City Council meeting be part of the new contract for cable TV service. I believe that this contract is currently being negotiated. Other cities including Wilmington have this service for their citizens. The benefits of this will be that all citizens can be more involved in their government – not just the few that can fit into the council chambers. Also, citizens can observe the behavior and contributions of their elected officials for themselves. They can see who has researched the issues, studied and prepared to discuss items on the agenda, and asks appropriate questions.
Daeke: I am in favor of broadcasting City Council meetings, and I believe Time Warner Cable can be convinced to do so. (I don’t think we should ever have to use the word “forced” to solve a problem or negotiate a deal.)
Yount: Yes. A picture is worth a thousand words. Watching the council in action will show the public their council at work. This firsthand observation will allow the public to decide who is contributing and who is doing the city’s work in an intelligent, professional and businesslike manner. They can see that who is respectful to people who come before the council. They can see who is cooperative and congenial and engaged. They can see who has studied the agenda and who is prepared. This will really allow our citizens to participate in their government at a whole new level.
Wester: There are already provisions in the contract that could speak to the issue of public access. Televising meeting could help the public become better informed, but it also may serve to further attract publicity seekers attempting to further their own cause. Televising meetings would also challenge us to adopt a more formal approach to how our meetings are structured and run. There are good points and bad points to consider, and it is not an issue that I would have a strong opinion on. For those that want to see meetings live and in person, please come to City Hall!