May 21, 2008 08:16 pm
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The Terre Haute Housing Authority board took a major step forward Tuesday night by voting to hire a new agency executive director in a meeting open to the public and in compliance with Indiana’s open meetings law. The action was, in essence, an acknowledgment that its April 28 meeting, at which a new director was first hired, did not comply with state law.
The board has been trying to restore order at the Housing Authority since it chose not to renew the contract of longtime executive director Patrick Barder late last year. It’s been a difficult and sometimes controversial process. Violations of Indiana’s open meetings law complicated matters, although there is no evidence the board intended to hide anything from the public. Rather, unfamiliarity with the law led to it stumbling.
In addition to correcting its error and re-voting on a new director in an open meeting, board president Tom Hunt apologized publicly for the violation.
The board handled the issue appropriately and demonstrated a commitment to both the letter and spirit of public access laws. We trust it is now on the right track.
A notable service to others
Ashley Lee’s horrific experience with bacterial meningitis in 2005 is being shared with others as a motivational message to be vaccinated against the rare but potentially fatal disease. The Terre Haute woman, who was a freshman in college when she contracted the disease, is teaming up with her mother, Sam, to weave something good from bad.
Ashley’s willingness to share her story with others is a remarkable public service. With her mother by her side, Ashley is taking steps to help influence others to protect themselves from a serious public health threat. We commend her efforts and wish her all the best in the future.Housing Authority makes things right
The Terre Haute Housing Authority board took a major step forward Tuesday night by voting to hire a new agency executive director in a meeting open to the public and in compliance with Indiana’s open meetings law. The action was, in essence, an acknowledgment that its April 28 meeting, at which a new director was first hired, did not comply with state law.
The board has been trying to restore order at the Housing Authority since it chose not to renew the contract of longtime executive director Patrick Barder late last year. It’s been a difficult and sometimes controversial process. Violations of Indiana’s open meetings law complicated matters, although there is no evidence the board intended to hide anything from the public. Rather, unfamiliarity with the law led to it stumbling.
In addition to correcting its error and re-voting on a new director in an open meeting, board president Tom Hunt apologized publicly for the violation.
The board handled the issue appropriately and demonstrated a commitment to both the letter and spirit of public access laws. We trust it is now on the right track.
A notable service to others
Ashley Lee’s horrific experience with bacterial meningitis in 2005 is being shared with others as a motivational message to be vaccinated against the rare but potentially fatal disease. The Terre Haute woman, who was a freshman in college when she contracted the disease, is teaming up with her mother, Sam, to weave something good from bad.
Ashley’s willingness to share her story with others is a remarkable public service. With her mother by her side, Ashley is taking steps to help influence others to protect themselves from a serious public health threat. We commend her efforts and wish her all the best in the future.
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