Mr. Mayor, tear down that covering

Transparency.

Every single candidate for City Council in last fall’s election mentioned “transparency” as a major issue in Cloquet city politics.

That’s why we cheered when new members of the council, at their first meeting, asked that the opaque glaze covering the doors to the council chambers be removed.

And sure enough, the glaze has been removed.

The glaze appeared more than a year ago, not long after the first closed meeting regarding former Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek. Such closed-door sessions are completely appropriate when the council discusses sensitive matters, but closing a council meeting is not done simply at the whim of councilors — such closed-door meetings are strictly governed by Minnesota law. If the council is not discussing one of a limited number of specific issues, the public must be allowed to attend council meetings.

But during the meetings surrounding the suspension of the former police chief, some council activity could be viewed through the glass doors of the council chambers, and the local press took notice of that. Soon, the doors were covered.

Removing the glaze is mostly symbolic, but significant. Council meetings, like all government meetings, should be open and accessible to the public. Citizens have a right — and, we believe, also have a duty — to participate in government action and to see what our officials are doing.

Cloquet’s plan to livestream city council meetings is a terrific step; getting both work sessions and formal council meetings out on the internet will further increase transparency. Having a local paper report on the meetings helps, too, as reporters can bring context and background information to their story. And removing the glaze from the council doors shows the city council is eager to conduct its business with transparency to all.

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