The public should have access to the inner workings of Luzerne County home rule subcommittees, say three experts on the state’s open meeting law. Unwarranted closed-door meetings “fracture public trust,” said Terry Mutchler, executive director of the state’s Office of Open Records. “I think Luzerne County has to have a particular sensitivity to the perception of how its government operates, given the very horrific and sad nature of events that have occurred there in the juvenile justice system,” Mutchler said.
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SHICKSHINNY – A newspaper attorney said an ordinance borough council passed recently could impinge on a councilwoman’s free speech rights and hinder her ability to perform her duties. Council in December passed a resolution “Imposing Protocols Relating to Borough Office Management and Confidential Communications” that, among other things, requires communications between council members and borough employees to be respectful and non-discriminatory. Read More…