Rocky Mountain News Opinion 

"...Something is missing from Gov. Bill Ritter's executive order setting up procedures for the election of unions to serve as "exclusive representatives" of state workers: public accountability and transparency.

The least Coloradans should get is an open and public negotiation process. The order emphasizes "partnerships" between state officials and employees, but it does not discuss any "partnerships" with the taxpaying public.

Whether to improve customer service or to raise government employee salaries, the negotiation process is very much a public concern. If the state is to have the "partnerships" the governor intends, then all meetings between state officials and union leaders should be open. The public also should have access to all records of proceedings.

Making negotiations transparent would be a fair and simple act of good faith with the people of Colorado. Such a move has precedents elsewhere..."

Read full column: www.rockymountainnews.com