Conducted in public

Henderson's top appointed officials have long known where they stand with their immediate supervisors, the members of the City Council. But their ultimate bosses -- taxpayers -- have been kept in the dark.

Although state law requires local governments to evaluate city/county managers, attorneys and clerks in open session, Henderson hasn't formally reviewed the performance of its chief administrators since 2002 -- not even in writing.

This has costs for the Henderson public at both extremes. On one hand, recently fired City Manager Mary Kay Peck has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, backed by her assertion that she never received a proper evaluation and therefore wasn't given an opportunity to change her practices in response to the council complaints that prompted her removal. On the other hand, City Clerk Monica Simmons hasn't received a written evaluation in seven years, yet her annual salary has more than doubled in her 11 years on the job, from $71,587 to $170,000 -- more than any Southern Nevada judge makes.

Henderson City Councilman Steve Kirk says Ms. Peck was counseled about her performance repeatedly. Ms. Simmons says she has "always had a very open working relationship with the council." Only there's no record of either set of discussions.

That's a problem, and it's on the verge of being fixed. New council members Kathleen Boutin and Debra March and Acting Human Resources Director Fred Horvath are creating a new evaluation process for the city manager, attorney and clerk -- one that involves the people who pay the bills.

"I'm adamant that the taxpayers have a right to know," Ms. Boutin said. "I feel obligated to let the public know how the city is being run."

Some politicians may not like public performance evaluations -- an open process ensures they'll also be held accountable for their judgments, analysis and pronouncements. But sunshine should always be the default setting for government. Ms. Boutin, Ms. March and Mr. Horvath deserve the full support of the Henderson City Council.

The public's business must be conducted in public.