Observer Group keeps tabs on Anoka County Board, leading to a policy change

The two-word agenda item tucked at the end of a recent Anoka County committee meeting spoke volumes to the few observers lining the walls, clipboards in hand.

That brief item, which listed “public comment” as the final order of business, tapped into one citizen group’s broader beef with county officials about government transparency.

Known as the Observer Corps, this group, made up of volunteers from the north metro’s League of Women Voters as well as community members, has been keeping tabs on the Anoka County Board for the past year, attending meetings and taking notes. From the get-go, the county’s public comment policy has created confusion, members said.

http://www.startribune.com/anoka-county-revises-public-comment-policy/406961306/