People are out enjoying the sunshine this summer, going on vacations, relaxing by the pool, or going to summer camps.

But one place where there doesn't seem to be much sunshine is in the backroom talks of a few Tega Cay city leaders, property owner Herman Stone, and developer The Tuttle Co. over a proposed Wal-Mart supercenter in Stonecrest's commercial district.

Mayor Bob Runde said he talked privately last month with Stone, working out a deal to nix 363 apartments in Stonecrest if the Tega Cay City Council approves annexing 15 more acres to fit a Wal-Mart supercenter. This quid pro quo was worked out privately, man to man, in the way successful business owners like Stone and Runde are already familiar.

The problem is, this meeting didn't involve a business deal between entrepreneurs. This is government, there are taxpayer dollars at stake, and many people's lives could be affected by the outcome.

The Tuttle Co.'s proposal to build a Wal-Mart supercenter is already an emotional, heartfelt issue among residents. Given this charged climate, private negotiations are worrisome.

Even more worrisome is the possibility that Runde may already have the votes he needs to push through this deal with Stone. Runde has said the deal to drop the apartments is contingent solely upon annexing and rezoning the land needed for Wal-Mart. This sounds like an attempt by Stone to sweeten the deal so the city has no choice but to say yes.

There's no doubt that Runde loves Tega Cay and always tries to act in the best interest of the community. And the deal with Stone may indeed reduce residential growth and provide a stable source of commercial tax income for the city, something everyone says they want. That's not the point.

The point is, no deals of this magnitude should be worked out by anyone without the chance for substantive and meaningful public comment first. Planning commission and city council members have an important decision to make, and the last thing they need is to be swayed toward a decision before a full and open discussion.

The July 22 forum at Fort Mill High School will go a long way in protecting the open process of government, but only if the decision-makers truly listen. Otherwise, people's opinions are being sought only to lend false legitimacy to a done deal.