Insider Lobbyist Bill Bunch Nails the Others

Dear Editor,
    Thanks for reporting on the two citizen-initiated city charter amendments, one to protect Barton Springs and one to make Austin a leader in direct disclosure of city information to the public via the Internet [“SOS: The Amendment That Didn't Bark,” News, Feb. 17].
    Chronicle readers may ask why Jo Clifton, owner and lead reporter of the city insider newsletter In Fact Daily appears hostile to the Open Government Online amendment sponsors. While a fine reporter, Ms. Clifton's work thrives on leaks of city insider news. The proposed charter measure would give her instant access to far more city information than is currently available. But it would give everyone this increased access. Like other city insiders, Ms. Clifton may fear that her superior access to inside information may lose value if everyone has timely and instant access to what our city is doing.
    City officials hate, hate, hate the Open Government Online amendment because it would go a very long way toward putting an end to the “done deal first, public disclosure second” process that is standard operating procedure at City Hall. Think $58 million in tax giveaways for Samsung, $100 million cash for LCRA, AMD moves to the Hill Country, Champions on 2222, Gables on Town Lake, etc. With the Internet we have an opportunity to reclaim public ownership of public information so that Austin's future may be shaped more by caring citizens and less by insider lobbyists.