When first appointed to fill the unexpired term of Fifth District Magistrate Charlotte Bernard about three months ago, Charlene King advocated having Clinton County Fiscal Court meetings, and possibly other public meetings, video taped and replayed on the local cable access channel.

Now, she has made that a formal request of Judge/Executive Lyle Huff and the other five members of the fiscal court, to consider the idea.

Prior to a special meeting of the court last Friday to consider tax rates and budget amendments, King delivered her letter to the judge/executive and other court members asking they consider the proposal.

The letter stated:

“This letter will serve as a request to have the fiscal court meetings video taped and televised.

This request is to be placed on the agenda for the next fiscal court special/regular session.

Even though the fiscal court meetings are open and can be televised, I think it is important that the court vote on this matter.

I have spoken with school personnel to have the meetings aired on channel 16, and I’ve lined up sponsors so that it will cost the county nothing.

In traveling around our community people tell me this is something they really enjoy and would like to see. I know when this was last done we had a lot of positive feedback. They enjoyed watching the meetings and felt more informed.

I also believe it is good for young people to see how their government works, and for older people who find it difficult to attend the meetings to feel involved.

Your time and attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.”

Some years ago, when King was serving as Clinton County Judge/Executive, court meetings were taped and aired on the local access channel a certain day and time.

King said she had talked with several people who were in favor of the video taping and airing of not only the fiscal court, but other public meetings as well.

It isn’t known if the matter will be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of Clinton Fiscal Court. That meeting is currently slated for September 20 at 5 p.m.