Hold the phone: Tom Menino to attend that citywide forum after all

Will he be able to spit out a complete sentence in that time?

The whole thing sounds like a resume and schedule padder for wannabee movers&shakers, or has-beens. A lawyer for Boston 2004? Wow, that really qualifies you for civic engagement! Inconveniencing the entire city, violating people's civil rights, and robbing the city and state of millions, all for the benefit of rich politicians.

Look at the mission statement, then look at the chairs- not a single community organization represented. A few inflated-title academics, a couple of corporation foundation chairs, with a few I'm-just-rich types thrown in for good measure.

a. A more open government.
How will this event actually make for a more open city government?...

b. Freedom of information.
Will public information, public documents of our city government actually be made available in response to citizen enquiries?...

c. Boston Finance Commission.
Will the Reports of the Boston Finance Commission be made available?...

d. Stenographic records.
Will the full stenographic record of public meetings of our City Council be made available?...

e. Denialism.
Will the City Clerk and the Assistant City Clerk stop the denials when faced with enquiries for public information about our city?... for too long the Clerks office has been in denial about the obstacles to obtaining public documents.

f. Cross index.
Will the cross index of City Council Docket numbers be made available?...

g. Minutes.
Will the Minutes of our City Council be made more understandable?... instead of the too many obscure items that do not reflect the actual transactions and actual procedings.