That positive development allows taxpayers - those people footing the bill for the giveaways authorized by the board - to learn where their money goes and why. By witnessing the process they can form their own opinions, free of the media filter and union spin.
The unions have never liked this idea, and apparently have found a way to get around it: Arrange to have union members and supporters take all the seats reserved for the public. That will leave John and Jane Doe out in the cold and ignorant of the process, just like the unions want them to be.
In Port St. Lucie, Florida, the school board recently reserved a 350-seat school auditorium for its public negotiating session. More than 500 teachers showed up, chanting things like “We want a raise,” “We won’t go,” and “Change the venue,” according to TCPalm.com.
Some teachers apparently complained about being forced to stand in the crowded hallway. Police officers were apparently called in to help with crowd control. We have no idea how many ordinary citizens were able to get into the meeting, but we doubt there were many who were willing to compete with the enormous union presence to find a seat.
