The Times Union Agrees with Us - SEDC Needs to be Transparent
A recently published Times Union Editorial (Jan 16, 2024) (“SEDC, try transparency”) states, “public money means public accountability. Why doesn’t the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation seem to get that?” This need for transparency is the same point that LWV Saratoga County made in its December 2023 statement sent by letter to the editor of the Times Union - see below.
December 2023 Statement of the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County:
The public wins when SEDC is transparent.
The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is pleased that the Appellate Division of the State’s Supreme Court Third Judicial Department ruled that the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) must comply with the Public Authorities Accountability Act. This is a win for the public, since the Act requires the SEDC to publicly disclose its finances – to actually be transparent.
The League position holds that any economic development entity created and or funded by the County should be subject to the direction of the County Board of Supervisors and, in order to promote accountability and transparency, should comply with complete and accurate reporting and open meeting requirements. This position, adopted by consensus following a League study, was established in 2007 and revised in 2013, 2016, and 2023 as the entities changed over time. This position also urges that any such entity should be required to provide annual public reports on its accomplishments against the contract deliverables.
When entities like the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation are transparent the public wins.