Transparency. It's a real concern in government today. Are we hearing everything we should be? Are all the documents of a certain subject revealed? Are procedures being carried out appropriately? Are public meetings open and accessible to the public?

These and more are concerns throughout the state regarding Sunshine policies in certain institutions. City College is one. But, open government should be tantamount for all stakeholders and the public.

The concern that runs through the state is the notion that a Sunshine policy (rather than an ordinance or law) "would" allow certain contracts like union contracts to be Sunshined in the period of time between the ending of collective bargaining and the time the union members would vote on the contract. During that time, the contract is considered a public document but it is still an internal contractural matter and can be treated exceptionally.

Thus, a Sunshine policy is just that, a policy. It is an internal governing document that is flexible, customizable and doesn't require a public vote. It can be adjusted and changed; a living document.

I don't believe the unions or college administration would want this to happen anyway. So, there really is no cause for alarm about this. The students and public really only care that the faculty and staff are going to be paid so the college will stay open. The details up until the actual ratification of the contract by union members are not the concern.

I, as a reasonable person, coming from a family steeped in social and economic justice, family who were union members, as a student who walked the pickets many times with union members on and off campus (and still do), as a community organizer/activist has worked closely with labor and sought to protect labor on very technical projects that were not apparent to them, as just a good friend to labor for the 15 years I have lived here in the same rent controlled flat...I would never, ever compromise the working people that serve City College or this city.

It is just in my grain or in my person.