Jerry Smith

interactions of people, educators and those who govern. One person said of transparency: “Openness, accountability and honesty define government transparency.”

Citizens of any government organization often feel left out. This breeds excess comments and criticisms of the government. I will go on record here as saying it isn’t always all those that govern who are at fault. I doubt that anyone reading these words is ignorant of this writer’s position that many in our society can’t read to the degree they can understand, reason and draw valid conclusions by what has been written. In personal correspondence and conversation there has been ignorance, prejudice, lies and a lack of reasoning ability directed toward people I know and love (and I might add toward me personally which doesn’t bother me very much; the source is always considered). Many simply don’t avail themselves of the training, opportunity or effort to read and study facts of the issues which are available to them.

For all those who value a free society I allow the writer quoted above who defined transparency as “Openness, accountability and honesty” speak further on the subject. He said, “In a free society, transparency is government’s obligation to share information with citizens. It is at the heart of how citizens hold their public officials accountable.” Openness in Government: As a rule, local governments make available (to a high degree) the information involving their conduct, actions and plans.