OPED: GSA cripples transparency by removing website information
SUBMITTED BY: Chris Jones
The General Service Administration (GSA) has removed public information concerning the Denver Federal Center (DFC) Final Master Site Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement from its website. Instead of providing easy access to these documents via their website, GSA prefers to present a fifteen minute video of self-promotion telling tax payers exactly what GSA wants them to hear.
By reducing the transparency of this information GSA effectively limits the number of questions and concerns from taxpaying citizens regarding the site plans. In addition, future modifications to the final master site plan addressing increased development and diminished open space may not be posted on their website thereby limiting or eliminating public comment.
GSA will have free reign to develop the DFC as they please. GSA is more interested in discussing development with the City of Lakewood rather than listening to lowly taxpayer comments and wishes. I doubt any citizen of Lakewood wants increased air pollution, noise, traffic and loss of open space that occurs with development. GSA and the City of Lakewood will most likely profit from increased development at the taxpayers’ expense.
Again, GSA and the City of Lakewood need to be reminded they work for and represent taxpaying citizens.
President Obama states: “My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.”
In addition, GSA’s own initiative “promotes transparency in government by providing reports, data, and other information to let the American people know how the agency is working on their behalf.”
Removing this information is in direct conflict with the President’s and GSA’s own mandate and demonstrates that GSA is not working on behalf of the American people. This action also signals that GSA does not want to promote public participation and collaboration.
GSA must follow the presidential mandate to provide transparency in government by restoring Internet access to the DFC Final Master Site Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, and notify the public of any changes made to the DFC Final Master Site Plan. Taxpaying citizens have the right to express how they want their tax dollars spent and both GSA and the City of Lakewood have the duty to listen to and carry out those wishes.
