Could the Winneshiek County Board be more transparent?

Thursday night's county supervisor candidate forum, sponsored by the AAUW

Several candidates for the Winneshiek County Board say the board could take steps to become more transparent to the public, but existing supervisors say the board already acts in a transparent manner.

District #2 candidate Rachel Vagts is one candidate who suggests more could be done.  She suggests Internet streaming of the weekly County Board meetings.  District #3 candidate Dean Thompson also urges taking more steps.  He says "more can be done," and suggests the supervisors' office on the second floor of the courthouse should be open Monday through Friday with at least one supervisor present to meet and listen to citizens.  Candidates Clark Goltz and John Franzen also say the county board should take more steps to communicate with the public.

But the existing supervisors disagree.  County Board Chairman Les Askelson says the weekly county board meetings are "long and cumbersome," and doubts whether anyone would watch a five hour-long broadcast.  Supervisor Bill Ibanez says the county board "has really opened up," while Supervisor John Logsdon says simply, "The board is very transparent."