Poll: Should iPads Be Allowed During Public Meetings?

A story in the Press Democrat posted Saturday brings up the debate of whether or not it is appropriate for city council members or other public officials to use iPads during public meetings.

During a recent meeting of the Petaluma Planning Commission, Councilman Gabe Kearney used his iPad to read an environmental document, prompting Commissioner Dennis Elias to object, according to the article.

Elias argued that everyone in the meeting should have access to documents during open, public meetings for the sake of transparency. But Councilman Kearney said that the Petaluma City Council sometimes uses iPads during council meetings in an effort to cut printing and paper costs during rough fiscal times.

With the council expected to vote on the finalizing of its iPad policy during Monday's meeting, we put the question before Petaluma Patch readers.

Should councilmembers and other officials be allowed to use iPads during city meetings?