Clark Richters, who runs the videoblog Kingston News, found yesterday that his camera wasn't welcome at one of Kingston alderwoman Jennifer Fuentes's regular meetings with her Fifth Ward constituents.
Richters writes that "it was a very informative meeting" -- of course, it would be nice to see for ourselves.
Fuentes is a relatively new councilwoman, having taken office earlier this year. In February, she gave an interview to Arthur Zaczkiewicz of the Kingston Citizens blog, where she talked about the monthly ward meetings she's been holding:
AZ: Residents have expressed publicly and privately that your election into office reflects a need for new thinking and new perspectives in city government. Do you agree with this? If yes, how do you implement some of that fresh perspective?
JF: It is always important to allow for new ideas and voices to enter our policymaking dialog. As a new councilmember I will always strive to bring transparency and openness to the process of the Common Council. I will begin holding monthly Ward meetings to better solicit input and ideas from the residents of the 5th Ward beginning in February.
Fuentes's camera-shyness might just be that -- a desire not to appear on video. Nevertheless, she's an elected official, appearing in her official capacity at a public function, and Richters has every right to videotape her.
