Columbus City Council Members will get their chance to vote on whether to allow closed door executive sessions now that a charter review committee has given its approval. The charter review committee by a 5 to nothing vote gave its okay to change the city charter by adding 20 words to allow for special executive session meetings behind closed doors. Committee chairman Larry James believes the public will see the benefits.
"I think if you're going to protect the taxpayer's dollars through litigation, real estate purchase or selling or getting the best candidates for office and have their confidential matters kep confidential, this is the way to go. It's the best practice," explained James.
James says some information from job candidates with the city does not need to be public.
"When they put in their names for a position that is public record. The actual interview, tax information, other information that might be confidential. Any person who's going to go in for a job does not want that put out before the public," added James.
City council members are expected to vote on the committee's recommendation July 19th. If they approve, it would be up to voters in November to decide on whether to allow closed door executive sessions. Currently, Columbus and Grove City are the only cities in Franklin County without executive session.
