It would seem that agents of the government don't like being video taped. That's right, the same people who install public video cameras to catch people loitering or speeding are trying to keep videographers out of public meetings. The confrontation was sparked when Bruce Bennett tried to tape a task force meeting to which his wife was assigned as a member.

The moderator of the meeting, Patricia Stevens, brought up the issue of the taping. Until Stevens discussed it, no member of the task force had mentioned it.

Stevens said she had an opinion from the Office of the County Attorney stating that the committee could, at its discretion, opt not to allow people to videotape the meeting. The taping, Stevens said, might make some people uncomfortable and not willing to be as forthcoming with their opinions.

The problem is, that Virginia law allows for the taping. Bennett was about shut down his camera and leave, until reporters told him he had every right to bring a camera.

A reporter from the Connection Newspapers informed Bennett of his rights under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. Specifically, Section 2.2-3707 Paragraph H of the Virginia Code states: "Any person may photograph, film, record or otherwise reproduce any portion of a meeting required to be open to the public."

So Bennett stayed and kept filming, Patricia Stevens be damned. But then overstepping her bounds seemed to be a theme for Ms. Stevens.

Additionally, over the course of the meeting, Stevens suggested that an outside consultant may or may not need to be retained to assist with later proceedings. A member of the task force asked what type of budget the consultant might have.

Supervisor Joan DuBois (R-Dranesville) stated that the task force had no budget. However, she said that if the consultant needed money, something might be able to be arranged. She did not specify if any funding might include public funds.

I guess you get what you pay for.