Obama Transition Promises to Post Documents

Elizabeth Holmes reports on the transition. President-elect Barack Obama ’s transition team reiterated its commitment to transparency Friday with a new policy to publicize documents between its staffers and outside organizations. Transition chairman John Podesta wrote a memo to the transition staff outlining the initiative, dubbed the “Seat at the Table” policy. Any documents produced from meetings between the transition team and outside organizations will be posted on www.change.gov . The idea is for Americans to offer comments and suggestions. “The American people deserve a ‘seat at the table,’” Podesta wrote, according to a document obtained by Washington Wire. Staffers are required to post all policy documents and “written policy recommendations” as well the date and time of the meetings. “This scope is a floor, not a ceiling, and all staff are strongly encouraged to include additional materials,” Podesta wrote. Transition members have to notify the organizations of the policy ... (link)