Transparency in City Government?

An open records request for the contract between the city and SunEdison for solar generated electricity was submitted this past summer to the city.  It was denied by the city and the Texas Attorney Generals office confirmed they are not required by law to provide the information to the citizens.

However, there is no legal requirement that the city withhold such information, only, that they may. So the question is: why doesn't the city release that information? There should be no secrets between the city and any other commercial or non-profit entity. Information concerning personnel issues are correctly withheld from the public where allowable by law and should be the only exception to public disclosure.

The Mayor, City Council and city staff are asking that we as citizen/taxpayers trust them to assure the energy contracts are economically favorable to the citizen/taxpayers with out undue risk. If the city values transparency, then they will release the energy contracts so that citizen/taxpayers can make their own assessment.

Ask your councilperson who they represent, the energy companies or the citizens? Openness and transparency always trumps secrecy!

Again, just because state law allows bad behavior, there is no justification for the city exercising bad behavior by keeping secrets from the citizen/taxpayer.

Contact your councilperson and demand the city release the contracts to the citizens!



Dale Ross, Mayor
Phone: 512-930-3651
Email: mayor@georgetown.org


Anna Eby, District 1
Phone: 512-930-3651
Email: district1@georgetown.org


Keith Brainard, District 2
Phone: 512-930-3651

Email: district2@georgetown.org


John Hesser, District 3
Phone: 512-930-3651
Email: district3@georgetown.org


Steve Fought, District 4
Phone: 512-930-3651

Email: district4@georgetown.org

Ty Gipson, District 5
Phone: 512-930-3651
Email: district5@georgetown.org


Rachael Jonrowe, District 6
Phone: 512-930-3651
Email: district6@georgetown.org


Tommy Gonzalez
Phone: 512-930-3651
Email: district7@georgetown.org