The Massachusetts Port Authority runs a multibillion-dollar airport, a general aviation airport, a seaport, and a toll bridge. It doles out enough contracts every year to open a department store, or two.
But if you happen to be a taxpayer who wonders how your money is being spent or how your airport is being operated, good luck. It's a similar story with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Massport meetings begin at 9 a.m. on weekdays, which makes it tricky for people with jobs to attend. They start in closed session; outsiders must sign in and wait in the lobby until summoned by the public information staff. It can take 10 minutes. It can take three hours.
During two recent meetings, the closed sessions lasted at least two hours. The public portions were speedy affairs, less than an hour long.
Likewise, the agenda is not available in advance. It's no wonder the only people who show up are reporters and a few suits.
Matt Brelis, Massport spokesman, said the matters discussed behind closed doors - legal issues, security, real estate, and collective bargaining - would not serve the public interest if aired openly. He said the authority is reviewing its longstanding policy of keeping the agenda secret.
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