Monday, February 14, 2011

Shedding a Little Light on the U of M's Presidential Search

Kudos to Tim Post of Minnesota Public Radio(MPR) in using the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act in getting e-mails and other documents to shed more light on the Kaler pick for U of M President.  Reporter Post's story goes into detail as to how there were three one hour meetings in a row to meet with candidate, Kaler.  Also how there was a social dinner with the Board of Regents and the pre-selected President.

As I posted in November there were immediate concerns by myself as to the U being up to its old tricks again trying to avoid accountability, transparency, and not wanting to comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law.  As the MPR article states there is no smoking gun, but there is perception and reality.  In this case, perception is reality I contend there were violations.

The University of Minnesota wants the public to believe that there was no intention to violate the law.  If the public believes that, I have got a bridge I can sell you.

The bottom line is that the U and Regents did not want an open process for the selection of the President.  With the 2004 decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court not going in their favor the Board of Regents with counsel decided to weasel the process to their advantage to the edge of the law rather than make it a priority for the public business to be in the public.

There is no evidence as the article points out to show there is a violation.  I would suggest that the client, the U of M Board of Regents direct their attorney, Mark Rotenberg to release all e-mails and communication concerning the past Presidential selection process and all data that relates to the Open Meeting Law.  The attorney-client privilege can be waived by the client.  If some of the Regents are coming for reappointment this legislative session the legislators should ask them questions about their involvement and hold them accountable.

No comments:

Post a Comment