By alansb4, 11 April, 2026

Its time to invent a new term to replace "transparency" or "transparent". Something that describes a relationship between the government and the public where both see and hear each other in meaningful ways.

“Transparency” sounds like a high standard, but in practice it has become a minimal one. In Surry County, as in many localities, transparency usually means:

  • meetings are livestreamed
  • agendas are posted
  • minutes are recorded
  • FOIA requests are answered

All of this is valuable — but it is one‑way visibility. The public can see what government is doing, but the structure of meetings often prevents the public from responding to what it sees.

That is the core limitation of transparency as it is commonly practiced.

1. Transparency in Surry County is informational, not relational

At recent Surry County Board of Supervisors and Electoral Board meetings, public comment is placed at the very beginning — before motions, before debate, before decisions. Citizens must speak without knowing what will actually happen.

This creates a dynamic where the public is essentially told:

“Say whatever you want now, because once we begin, your voice is no longer part of the process.”

It satisfies the appearance of transparency, but not the substance of public involvement.

2. Openness includes the public — transparency only shows the public

Openness is a stronger, older, more intuitive idea. It means:

  • the public can see what government does
  • the public can understand what it sees
  • the public has a structured way to respond while the issue is still alive

Openness is two‑way.
Transparency is one‑way.

3. Openness builds trust — transparency only builds visibility

A government can be transparent and still feel distant, unresponsive, or closed off.
But a government that is open — one that invites Open Exchange — builds:

  • trust
  • legitimacy
  • shared understanding
  • a healthier civic relationship

Openness treats citizens as participants, not spectators.

4. Openness is better for Surry because it strengthens the public relationship

Surry County is small enough that public engagement matters. People notice when their input is welcomed — and when it is structurally sidelined. Openness gives the public a meaningful place in the process without disrupting the work of governing.

 

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