MECA records watch: Is the powerful arena board’s suite info the beginning or the end?
Joe Jordan | Nebraska Watchdog
OMAHA—What, if anything, is next?
In the aftermath of MECA’s decision to hand out a handful of records—board members using the CenturyLink Center’s private suite free of charge the past 15 months—what else is tucked behind the curtain that just might give the public an added glimpse or two of just how MECA ticks?
Travel records? Potential conflicts of interest? Who knows.
MECA runs the $291 million CenturyLink Center
You see although MECA agreed to release those arguably sweet-suite records, the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority didn’t have to—the powerful arena board is not subject to the Nebraska Public Records Law.
So will the suite backlash—Mayor Stothert calls the board’s use of the private digs excessive—make MECA reluctant to release other information?
In the recent past MECA has refused to talk to Nebraska Watchdog about its infrequent public meetings and potential conflicts.
But stay tuned, the subject of “transparency” is likely to be discussed at MECA’s next meeting, April 29.
In the meantime KFAB radio has asked (see video below) Nebraska Watchdog’s Joe Jordan to weigh in on that suite deal and more.
Contact Joe Jordan at joe@nebraskawatchdog.org.
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