State Board of Obfuscation- Cleveland Plain Dealer 10-8-95

One of the most anonymous governmental bodies in Ohio is on the verge of becoming even less visible.

The State Board of Education, which recent swelled to `19 members because of eight new appointees named by Gov. George Voinovich, is to vote tomorrow on a motion that would virtually abolish roll-call votes.

When the General Assembly, at the governor's request, turned the board into a hybrid of 11 elected and eight appointed members this year, Voinovich used the opportunity to give big business a loud voice in state education policy.

But the corporate types he appointed apparently have lots of important things to do besides serving on the board, so they would like to shorten those board meetings if they can. By eliminating roll-call votes, they can shave a good 30 seconds of dealing with every issue. Wow.

Is the convenience of busy board members worth the sacrifice of their clear accountability to all Ohioans, who pay the bills for public education? Of course not.

If the motion succeeds, the only required roll-call votes would be taken only when the board elects its own president and vice president, decisions that have no impact on educational policy. An amendment might be added to allow a roll call on an issue if four members insist. That's not good enough.

Ohioans interested in education deserve to know who on the board votes how. It is hard to believe that when the General Assembly acceded to Voinovich's desire for greater influence over the board, legislators expected that influence to be exerted in the dark.

Board members should vote openly, whether they represent the interests of the voters, the governor or some corporation.