Agency reform

In a roundtable discussion, Joan Claybrook, David G. Hawkins, Jim Hightower, David A. Swankin, and Sindey M. Wolfe, discuss the lack of effective representation of broad and future interest before the executive branch. The session focuses on the following issues: 1. sources of bias (conflicts, job interchange, funding, and ossification), 2. information and advocacy imbalance (competence, information, balance, and procedural fairness), 3. public access, and 4. media attention. Regarding the role of procedure in the regulatory process, Hawkins said that the initial set of rules that were enacted prior to the 1970s are critical to open government and empowering citizens. Hightower remarked that one of the problems that arises with rules of access is that industry tries to impose ever greater rules of access.