Former Mayor of Venice notes concerns with transparency regarding the council’s process for filling the vacated council member seat

Fortunately, city council has reconvened the Charter Review Committee and they have given us plenty of insight as to why section 3.07.(d)(3) needs to be strengthened. I think I will be recommending that the revision include requirements for the City Clerk’s office as I see some very glaring deficiencies in the way this is being handled. I am willing to discuss this with you, but not wanting you to be blind sided, here is what I see so far:

1. The city council meeting where the filling of the empty seat was discussed on December 14, 2021. I searched the city website daily for information on how to file and for the timeline for filing. Finally, a week later, on December 21, 2021 I had to make a public records request to obtain instructions. At that point, there was still nothing on the city website.
2. On December 26, 2021, I made another public records request for information regarding any applicants. I received three resumes’ and cover letters on December 27, 2021. There was still no information about the potential candidates on the city website.
3. At 10:30 a.m. on December 27, 2021, a posting finally was made on the city website regarding how to file for the open position, a mere 49 1/2 hours before the deadline.
4. I made another public records request for any filings up to December 28, after the ones received on December 27, 2021; I have not received any additional information as of this email. That same email requested anything on December 29 up until the deadline.