Council Committee Approves Transparency Bill

Dear Baltimoreans,

In an effort to shine a light on the dealings of some of Baltimore’s government, the City Council’s Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee voted on Monday night to approve the measure I introduced on September 20, 2010, that would televise proceedings from the Board of Estimates, Board of Municipal Zoning Appeals and Liquor Board, three of the city’s most influential decision-making bodies.

Most citizens are kept in the dark about decisions made by these powerful boards – which rule on everything from zoning changes to the awarding of multi-million dollar construction contracts – because they are not currently televised, and the meetings often take place during the day when people are at work.

The Committee's vote Monday sends a clear and unmistakable signal that this Council is focused on government transparency in a tangible way. My Transparency and Accountability Bill (TAB) will help to ensure that Baltimoreans have a seat at the decision-making table and are not merely relegated to the sidelines.

Monday’s hearing included supportive testimony from a host of prominent experts from local universities, and dozens of community associations and residents.

Constitutional Law Professor Byron L. Warnken, a prominent expert who has worked extensively on government transparency, said that the bill represents an essential tool in educating the general public on government proceedings.

"Whatever we can do to gain the trust of the public is a plus," said Professor Warnken, a law professor at the University of Baltimore. "It's a no-brainer when you educate the public and gain their support. In order to have a functioning government, we need to have educated people in that process."

The TAB will appear before the full council during its next scheduled meeting on November 8, 2010, at 5 p.m.

To read more about my push to make government more transparent, visit the following news sites:

The Associated Press
The Baltimore Sun

Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council

Annual Greek Heritage Festival
Friday and Saturday November 5-6 from 11:00 AM-11:00 PM, Sunday, November 7 from 12PM-6PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 24 Preston Street
Enjoy authentic Greek food & pastries, drinks, music, dancing, boutiques and gifts as well as cathedral tours.
For more information, visit baltimoregreekfestival.com

Tuerk House 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, November 6 at 9:00 AM
Druid Hill Park, Swan Pavilion
Enjoy a course through historic Druid Hill Park, live music by the Gig More Brothers, awards for the top three overall winners and age group winners, refreshments, silent auction, goody bags and post-race food all to benefit Baltimore men and women in recovery. The race is presented by Kelly & Associates Insurance Group and KTBSPayroll. Registration is $30 before Nov. 6 and $35 on race day. Advance registration includes an Under Armor T-shirt. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m.
For more information or to register, call 443-562-9820, emperticone@verizon.net or visit tuerkhouse.org.

Healthy First Saturday
Saturday, November 6 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Port Discovery Children's Museum, 35 Market Place
Begin each month on a healthy note with a visit to Port Discovery. Each Healthy First Saturday offers a variety of health related activities and information.
For more information, visit portdiscovery.org.

Foreclosure Intervention Workshops
Saturday, November 6 and 20 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Oliver Economic Development Corporation, 1400 E. Federal Street
It's important to understand your options as early as possible! This workshop will give you insight into basic steps you can take to save your home from foreclosure. Come speak with HUD-certified counselors, learn to create and stick to a budget, know your consumer rights and get out of financial trouble. 
To register for this free workshop, call at 443-388-9809.

Vendor Development Series for Minority and Women Business Enterprises
Monday, November 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Small Business Resource Center, 1101 E. 33rd Street, Suite C-307
These seminars will expose minority-owned and women-owned businesses to the proper policies, procedures and processes, including the law for conducting business with the City of Baltimore. The seminars cost $25 per class or $100 for the entire series
For more information or to register, call 410-396-3818.

Art Guitars Auction and Concert
Saturday, November 13 at 7:00 PM
Ram's Head Live!, 20 Market Place
Music 4 Maryland hosts this auction and concert featuring The Pat McGee Band, The Paul Reed Smith Band, The Jon Bailey Band and The School of Rock. A silent auction of 18 "art guitars" designed by local celebrities and artists will benefit Music 4 Maryland, a project of Music 4 More. Proceeds will be used to purchase instruments, repairs, and supplies for music programs in Maryland schools.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.music4maryland.com.

Renters in Foreclosure Workshops
Tuesday, November 16 and December 14 at 6:00 PM
Public Justice Center, 1 North Charles Street, Suite 200
The Public Justice Center is holding two free upcoming workshops designed to help tenants whose landlords are in foreclosure. Attendees to these workshops will receive detailed information as to their rights as tenants throughout the course of a foreclosure, as well as one-on-one consultations with Public Justice Center attorneys and paralegals. Please RSVP by Nov. 10 or Dec. 8.
To RSVP or for more information, call at 410-625-9409.

Washington Wizards/Washington Mystics Holiday Hoops Camp
December 28-30
St. Frances Academy, 501 E. Chase Street
Register for a spot in the only authentic NBA and WNBA camp in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Campers receive professional instruction, an official T-shirt and a one free ticket to the Wizards home game on Wednesday, December 29. Register before November 30 o get the early bird price of $170 (regular cost is $185). Boys and girls ages 8-17 are welcome.
For more information or to register, call 202-527-7503 or visit wizardsbasketballcamps.com.