Protecting our right to know is integral to our democracy.
Joining other Leagues throughout the country, the LWV of Sussex County established an "Observer Corps" in January of 2009 and began its activities that February. Observers monitor governmental bodies for issues of importance to the League and to the county. Our emphasis has been to have League Observers present at as many County Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings as possible. In 2010, we added the Board of Adjustment to the agencies we observed. Reports from these Observers are compiled into monthly reports and submitted to the Board of the League of Women Voters, Sussex County. A summary report is presented to the County and the media each year, usually close to Sunshine Week in March.
Observer Corps participants attend governmental meetings, take notes and use a simple form to report their observations back to the League. By attending public meetings, Observers learn about the issues and empower the League to take action, if warranted. They also learn how issues are being addressed + whether open meetings laws are being followed and decisions are being handled "in the sunshine."
In addition, Observers keep elected and appointed officials on notice, letting them know that someone is watching what decisions are being made and how they are being made.
Dates of meetings observed are listed in our Calendar.
A copy of our 2011 Observer Corps Annual Report provided to County Council is here.
A copy of our 2010 Observer Corps Annual Report provided to County Council is here.
If you are interested in participating in this program as a regular or occasional observer, please contact Observer Corps Chair Carole Somers at observercorps@sussexlwv.org.
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