More cameras in the Legislature

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Judging by viewership numbers, live video of Iowa House proceedings is no “American Idol.”

Only when Gov. Terry Branstad delivered his Condition of the State speech and when the House debated property tax reform did viewership break triple digits. But we don't think big ratings are necessary to prove the value of allowing Iowans to look in on their Legislature debating issues that affect our lives and pocketbooks. Viewers or no viewers, we think the $130,000 spent putting six cameras in the House was money well spent.

And we would like to see more. So we think it's good news that the Iowa Senate is also exploring the possibility of live video, perhaps as soon as next January when the 85th General Assembly convenes. We hope it happens.

We also hope House Speaker Kraig Paulsen is right when he says that, eventually, Iowans will be able to look in on legislative committee meetings. Committee meeting cameras would provide a window into the nuts and bolts of lawmaking, where some significant debates take place and many changes to bills get made. It's potentially more valuable for Iowans than only the full floor debates.

It's not always riveting viewing. But it's our government. We'd like a chance to watch more of its work.

And we think more and more Iowans eventually will discover the benefits of being able to watch their legislators at work without having to make the trip to Des Moines.

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