SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Gary Herbert is weighing in on the Utah Transit Authority’s decision to close some of its meetings to the public.
UTA claims their office is being more transparent by closing working committee meetings and shifting decision-making to the full board.
Critics say discussions will now take place behind closed doors.
Herbert said he thinks public input keeps a taxpayer-funded agency like UTA responsive to Utahns. The full statement released from his office is below:
“Of course these meetings should be open to the public. Sunshine and public input promotes accountability and is critical to ensuring that a taxpayer-funded agency like UTA is responsive to Utah citizens. I am encouraged to see some of the recent changes UTA has adopted, but unfortunately this policy change falls short of the kind of transparency that the public has the right to expect.”
