The Rapid City Journal is asking 10 key questions of the two mayoral candidates over 10 days to help voters make their decision in the June 26 runoff election.

QUESTION: You've both used open government as a campaign slogan.

How would you make city departments more open and accessible to the public?

ALAN HANKS

TO THE POINT: Public meetings should be open unless there is a very good reason to close them. The difference between the two candidates is the fact that in the state legislature Hanks actually had the opportunity to do something about it.

SUPPORTING THE ARGUMENT: The state legislature passed open meeting requirements that make sure any government entity, whether it's city hall or county commissioners or even a water board, do not do things behind closed doors.

QUOTEWORTHY: "I think there's a very strong difference in the two candidates when it comes to open government. While it's easy to talk about it, I'm the one candidate that's done something about it."

SAM KOOIKER

TO THE POINT: Financial statements of all city departments would be posted on the Internet. Streaming audio recordings would be expanded to include committees not currently using the technology, such as the future land use committee and a number of others. The tax increment financing committee, which is currently closed to the public, would be opened.

SUPPORTING THE ARGUMENT: People need to have ready access to the city's financial statements. The argument against opening tax increment financing meetings is that financial statements of various companies are discussed as they apply for TIFs. But applying for a TIF should be no different than applying for a public grant. Information needs to be available.

QUOTEWORTHY: "If you apply for government funding there are some strings attached, and I believe transparency and making that information available is important."

To view the candidates' complete videotaped responses, click here.