You might have seen our post yesterday criticizing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission over transparency issues. TABC spokesman Carolyn Beck responded to us via e-mail and we wanted to share her comments with our readers.

One special note: I failed to call Ms. Beck for comment before I criticized her agency. I should have reached out to her, and she's right to call me out on that.

Here's her note:

Hi Jennifer,

I'm the spokesperson for TABC. I've been out of town the last couple of days, so if you tried to contact me for comment prior to posting the article on your website, I'm sorry that I didn't get back to you. I would like to comment now, and I'll start by saying that I agree with many of the points you have made.

Our agency values transparency and accountability, but like many folks, we stump our toe sometimes. It is true that we could have done better with regard to releasing names of involved agents and the man who was shot, as Austin American Statesman reporter Eric Dexheimer wrote about in his blog. However, I don't think it's representative of our agency as a whole. In fact, if you asked Eric, I believe he would tell you the same thing. I encourage you to ask Eric if this "lack of transparency" has been a pattern. Ask him to comment on my responsiveness and after-hours availability. Ask him if he has ever been denied a document, statistics or an interview by TABC.

If you and I had talked before you posted this article, I could have provided insight into why we didn't release the names of individuals more quickly. I would have told you what I have learned since that time, and what I would do differently if I could go back in time.

I can assure you that in this case, we did release all requested public documents within ten days as required by law. But I know that sometimes doing only the bare minimum required by law is not enough. Being truly transparent means doing more than the bare minimum. And being accountable means admitting when you have made a mistake and learning from it.

If given the opportunity prior to publication, I would have said all of this to you, and you could have included it in your article. And instead of asking a question (Will TABC see the light?), you could have provided your readers with the answer: TABC does see the light.

Some examples:

Regarding your right to know the names of the agents involved in the Austin shooting and the Fort Worth Rainbow Lounge incident, whether the officers have been involved in prior shootings, whether they have prior disciplinary actions, and their years of experience. We agree, and all of that information has been provided to everyone who has requested it.

Regarding your right to form and voice an opinion about whether TABC agents should have raided the Rainbow Lounge. We agree, and TABC's internal affairs investigation into policy and procedural violations, and the subsequent disciplinary actions, were made public in two press releases which are still posted on our website. Copies of the incident reports, the internal affairs investigation report and other related documents are available to anyone who requests them.

Additionally, in reference to your comment about Chad Gibson's head injury "that somehow never did quite get explained really well." The internal affairs investigation into the use of force at the Rainbow Lounge is still underway and expected to be completed this month. At that time, the findings will be made public, and the entire report will be available to anyone who requests it.

Regarding your right to form and voice an opinion about whether the TABC agents should have shot Mr. Lunt. We agree, and when the Texas Rangers have completed their criminal investigation into the shooting, their findings will be made public. Additionally, at that time, all of the reports and documents related to the incident will be released as required by law, and you will have the opportunity to come to your own conclusion.

I believe your organization's role in society as a government watchdog is very important. I hope you continue to keep a watchful eye on our agency and contact us when you have concerns about TABC's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Carolyn Beck

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