The LWC of Santa Monica submitted the following public comments regarding Santa Monica City Council Meeting 2/22/2022 Agenda Item 8A:

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February 22, 2022

Re: City Council Agenda Item 8A

Dear Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, and City Councilmembers,

The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation in government.  For people to be both informed and to participate in a meaningful way, the government must protect the citizen’s right to know.  Support for open government is a basic principle for the League. 

We urge the Council to vote yes on Agenda Item 8A, the approval of a proposal for an independent investigation of possible violations of the Brown Act and confidentiality agreements, including the authorization to issue subpoenas in the name of the City under Section 614 of the City Charter in conducting the investigation. Independent investigations are necessary to prevent potential real or perceived conflicts of interest from negatively impacting the public’s trust in government.

We believe that governmental bodies must protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of good government.

It is vital to the health of our democracy that potential violations of laws and the public trust are investigated to the fullest extent appropriate to ensure transparency and accountability in government. 

Sincerely, 

Natalya Zernitskaya

President

League of Women Voters of Santa Monica