Open up IA: Don’t shield welfare transactions

By   /  April 18, 2013  /  Commentary, Iowa Commentary  /  No Comments

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n 1973, then California Gov. Ronald Reagan said government officials derive their “ultimate authority from the people. And we have an obligation to make sure that in carrying out our responsibilities, we do so at a price they can afford.” Forty years later some in Iowa government are shirking that responsibility.

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Iowa new boss, same as the old boss?

By   /  April 12, 2013  /  Commentary, Iowa Commentary  /  No Comments

Tom Vilsack

By Graham Gillette | Special Contributor
One of the worst kept secrets in Iowa is that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, a Democrat, is considering a run for governor.
Many in Iowa’s Democratic Party see Vilsack as potentially the only one among them capable of beating Republican Gov. Terry Branstad in a 2014 match-up. Vilsack, a [...]

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Des Moines school board continues to operate in the dark

By   /  March 13, 2013  /  Commentary, Iowa, Iowa Commentary  /  3 Comments

DMPS Board-meeting

By Graham Gillette | Special Contributor to Iowa Watchdog
DES MOINES — When the Des Moines School Board began its search for a new superintendent in May, district spokesman Phil Roeder advised the board to present a united front to the public and to applicants.
Only the board president should speak to the media, and bold and [...]

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Iowa agencies left to police themselves

By   /  January 30, 2013  /  Commentary, Iowa Commentary  /  No Comments

Des Moines school board members questioned for closed session.

By Graham Gillette | Special to Iowa Watchdog
DES MOINES – Iowans have little way to monitor public officials’ compliance with transparency laws. Even if they do find possible violations, the state affords them few avenues to hold leaders accountable.
Take for example the Des Moines School Board.
It held a closed session in May citing the provision [...]

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