How does a Commissioners' Court exercise these authorities?  Under the Open Meetings Act, the meetings of the court are to be open to the public so that the taxpayers may see how their funds are being spent and how their elected officials are behaving.  That is to say, that the business of government is to be the "goldfish bowl" for public scrutiny.

It is the duty for each individual on the court to research, analyze, and debate in open court, the issues on the agenda of county business, so as to lay out before the court the public the reasons why the Commissioner does or does not vote for each item on the agenda.  Persons on the court who are not especially qualified for public service sometimes shy away from public debate or loose their tempers - which is not consistent with the "civil discourse" which is necessary for effective government "of the people, by the people and for the people."

There is currently a trend at various governmental levels to televise their proceedings. This is proving very helpful to citizens who can hear the words and see the actions of their elected officials directly for themselves. When people can observe their elected officials without "filtering" by a reporter, they can get a truer picture of the events and happenings in their governments.  It can be very encouraging to see one's elected officials courageously fighting for what is right - as true patriots.

I hope the Junto Society will be a major force in making government in Hays County and throughout the United States, more accountable - by urging the televising of Commissioners' Court meetings.