In Ashtabula, our City Council holds the trust of the people, making decisions that affect our everyday lives. However, it has come to my attention that many of their meetings, particularly work sessions and committee meetings, are not televised. As a concerned resident, I believe this lack of transparency is allowing an environment where council members can act arbitrarily and tribally. These off-camera meetings are venues where actions and statements are made that would likely never occur in the spotlight of public scrutiny.

Democracy truly does die in darkness, and as constituents, we have a right to access and understand the actions and discussions of our elected officials. This past week, a work session that was scheduled to be televised was abruptly not. This creates a concerning pattern where the council might be using the absence of cameras as a cover to operate differently than they would if the public were watching.

Televising all forms of council meetings, from regular sessions to the more informal committee gatherings, is not only feasible but essential. With today’s technology, broadcasting these meetings is a reasonable expectation from the public. Doing so would allow us to gain deeper insights into governmental proceedings and hold our councilors accountable for their words and actions.

This initiative isn't just about keeping council members in check; it's about empowering the community with knowledge, fostering trust, and encouraging civic engagement. By ensuring every meeting is televised, we will take a step towards more open and honest governance.

Join me in urging the Ashtabula City Council to televise all their meetings. Sign this petition to demand transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of democracy in Ashtabula. Your support is a crucial part of this journey towards a more open government. Together, we can shine a light on our local governance and ensure our voices are heard.