To the Editor:

The League of Women Voters of Albany County has worked throughout its 100-year history to promote government transparency. It was therefore concerning to read the editorial “Democracy withers out of public view” in The Altamont Enterprise on Jan. 13, 2022.

As the editorial states, government boards need to publicize meetings and hold open sessions. Then, when an executive session is determined necessary, announce that during the open session, take meeting minutes, and make the public aware of the votes taken.

We appreciate the Guilderland Town Board members’ recognition in their Feb. 10, 2022 letter to the editor of what they mishandled [“We should have issued public notice of these virtual interviews”].

They state that they seriously undertake their “responsibilities for openness and transparency to the maximum extent possible” and that they will “follow the Open Meeting Law’s notice requirements for future interviews” and, while providing privacy protections to persons seeking employment, it is our hope they also will be respectful of the public’s right to know when making decisions.

The League thanks The Enterprise for shining a light on this important topic, and calls on all municipalities to become familiar with the laws that are in place to hold them accountable to their constituents.

Patricia Sibilia

President

League of Women Voters

Albany County