By Dana Sternthal
Staff Writer
Although the California State legislators voted to suspend aspects of the Brown Act in June, a piece of legislation that ensures the actions of local government are conducted openly, for the fiscal years of 2012 through 2015, Manhattan Beach has decided to follow through with the act.
The Brown Act is a multi-faceted piece of legislation, passed in 1953 by California legislation, which is dedicated to guaranteeing the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies, as well as other facets that ensure an open, transparent government.
“We truly believe it is imperative to do all of the things the Brown Act entails,” Manhattan Beach Mayor Wayne Powell said.
Mandates of the act that are suspended include the requirement of posting city council agendas, providing descriptions of items to be discussed at regular city council meetings and posting descriptions of items discussed in closed sessions. By not requiring these actions, the state no longer has to reimburse cities that abide by the Brown Act.
“They suspended the Brown Act because they were trying to balance a $16 billion budget,” Powell said. “The state previously funded mandate powers. Now they are suspending the requirement so they will not have to pay, but it is chump change they are saving.”
The state of California expects to save $96 million by suspending these parts of the Brown Act.
Although the state has suspended the requirement to abide by certain aspects of the Brown Act, Manhattan Beach is one of the many California cities that plans to continue to acknowledge the whole legislation without state reimbursement.
“It is one of those things where the state is trying to save money, but being committed to the Brown Act is more than budgetary,” Councilwoman Amy Howorth said. “It’s not worth it, sacrificing open government just to save a few pennies.”
Manhattan Beach has shown its dedication to open government in other ways as well. Howorth and Mayor Pro Tempore David Lesser established an ad hoc subcommittee on June 3, 2011 to ensure further transparency in government.
“Manhattan Beach has committed itself to being open and transparent in its actions,” Lesser said. “The ad hoc subcommittee develops recommendations with respect to open government.”
The Manhattan Beach City Council met on Oct. 2 to reaffirm the city’s commitment to the Brown Act. Unless a city council member, staff member or citizen pulls the issue for discussion, it will automatically be approved.
“The Brown Act is critical to good government,” Powell said. “We agreed to follow it and are continuing to reaffirm it.”
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