By Becky Holland
Mayor Carla Coley says it is her intention to secure a reliable way to broadcast Cochran City Council meetings, acknowledging that improving public access is an important part of government transparency.
Responding to questions from The Ledger, Coley said the issue has not been discussed recently by the council, but she expressed support for finding a dependable method of broadcasting meetings rather than relying on a volunteer livestream.
“I can say with certainty, however, that it is my intent to secure a reliable source of broadcasting whenever our council meets,” Coley said.
Asked how she measures transparency, Coley said it begins with conducting the public’s business openly and ensuring citizens have access to information.
“I feel that transparency is measured by how well the governing authority, and its members, ensure that all business is advertised and held openly,” she said. “I think it also means that when citizens have questions, information is freely given as allowed, even when that information may not be received well because it is not what someone hoped to hear.”
Coley added that she believes citizens would rather receive information they may not like than receive no information at all.
“People have a right to participate in government, and we need to ensure that they have that ability in all ways,” she said.
Looking ahead, the mayor identified routine broadcasts of council meetings as one area where the city can improve.
“Room for improvement could be accomplished with routine broadcast of our meetings in a format that can be readily accessed and easily understood (clear audio and subtitles),” Coley said. “I think we can do better across the board when it comes to customer service, which lends itself to a higher trust from our community.”
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