“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."
Thomas Jefferson

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In order to be vigilant, the public must be informed and able to engage in local government decisions.  In medical practice, before a procedure is performed, the patient is to be ‘informed’ and give ‘consent.’  Texas Open Meeting law serves as a type of informed consent by ‘informing’ the public regarding discussion and actions that have an impact to their community.  If the public chooses not to attend, it translates into ‘consent’ for public officials to proceed with their decisions.  Public notice is critical to ensure government accountability.