When Routt County was trying to hire a new county manager last summer, commissioners announced two finalists for the job and introduced them to county staff and the community.
Commissioner Beth Melton said she saw value in showcasing the candidates to the community in the interest of transparency and introducing them to their potential coworkers.
“As commissioners, the three of us, it is our role to hire this person, and we know what we are looking for,” Melton said. “But we only have a certain type of interaction with this person, and I think it is definitely helpful for other folks who are going to be working with him or her to have an opportunity to weigh in.”
Colorado lawmakers OK bill limiting information about top job seekers
Durango, Colorado Currently Wed 9% chance of precipitation 0% chance of precipitation 1% chance of precipitation 13% chance of precipitation
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DENVER – Colorado’s Legislature has passed a bill to allow government bodies to disclose the identity of just a single finalist for an executive position, amending state open records law that currently requires public disclosure of all finalists for taxpayer-funded top positions.
The Senate passed the bipartisan bill by a 28-7 vote on Wednesday, sending it to Gov. Jared Polis.
Bill supporters argued that candidates for positions such as a public university president, city manager or public school superintendent should expect confidentiality and that releasing their names could jeopardize their current jobs.
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Our View: Bill would hinder public’s right to know
Durango, Colorado Sat 1% chance of precipitation
Bill would hinder public’s right to know
Saturday, April 24, 2021 5:03 AM
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A bill motivated by good intentions that will cause serious damage to governmental transparency is wending its way through the state House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman of Aurora, House Bill 21-1214 would allow the sealing of records of low-level crimes. It also would allow some convicted criminals with multiple offenses – habitual offenders – to petition to have their records sealed after fulfilling their sentences. It would automatically seal arrest records when no charges are filed. And more.