Transparency & Feedback

Honest answers. Clear records. Respect for the public.

3 step challenge

Leo Corona for Mayor Gatesville City Council Meeting Experience & Transparency Survey

This survey gathers feedback from residents about their experience attending a Gatesville City Council meeting.

As a candidate for Mayor — and, if elected, as presiding officer — I am committed to ensuring that meetings are lawful, transparent, respectful, and accessible to every resident, in accordance with the Texas Government Code Chapter 551 – Open Government, Ethics.

Your responses to the 20 questions will help strengthen transparency and public engagement.

— Leo Corona

What Is the Texas Open Meetings Act?

The Texas Open Meetings Act (OMA) is a state law that requires most meetings of government bodies — including city councils — to be open to the public.

Its purpose is simple: Government decisions must be made openly, not behind closed doors.

 

Why It Matters to You

The OMA protects your right to:

  • Know when your City Council is meeting

  • Know what topics will be discussed

  • Attend and observe the meeting

  • See how your elected officials vote

  • Access meeting minutes and recordings

Transparency builds trust — and the law requires it.

 

What the Law Requires

1. Public Notice Before a meeting happens, the City must post:

  • The date

  • The time

  • The location

  • The subjects to be discussed

This allows residents to decide whether they want to attend.

2. Open Meetings City Council meetings must be open to the public. Councilmembers cannot meet privately in small groups to discuss city business if it involves a quorum.

3. Limited Closed Sessions (Executive Sessions) The law allows closed sessions only for specific reasons, such as:

  • Personnel matters

  • Legal consultation with the city attorney

  • Real estate negotiations

  • Economic development negotiations

However:

  • The reason must be announced in open session.

  • No final vote can happen in closed session.

  • All final decisions must be made in public.

4. Minutes & Recordings The City must keep written minutes or a recording of open meetings. These records must be available to the public.

 

What the Law Does NOT Require

  • The Council is not required to respond or debate during citizen comments.

  • The Council cannot deliberate on topics that were not properly posted on the agenda.

  • Members cannot discuss city business outside of properly posted meetings if it involves a quorum.

 

What This Means for Gatesville

If elected Mayor and presiding officer of City Council meetings, my goal is to ensure:

  • Agendas are clear and understandable

  • Residents can hear and follow discussions

  • Votes are clearly explained before they happen

  • Closed sessions are used properly and sparingly

  • Meetings are welcoming, respectful, and transparent

The law sets the minimum standard. Our goal should be to exceed it.