On government transparency

From The Valdosta Daily Times

Georgia law says, “The General Assembly finds and declares that the strong public policy of this state is in favor of open government.” The state’s Sunshine Law rightly says, “open government is essential to a free, open and democratic society.” We could not agree more. It does not matter, however, if local officials agree or disagree with the fundamental principles of open government because it’s the law.

County commissioners, members of city council, members of the board of education and everyone who sits on local government committees, commissions, boards and authorities must realize all the government business they do is the people’s business. The public has the right to know all of its own business. The documents held in the halls of government belong to the public, not to public officials.

The public has a vested interest in government transparency. Being able to attend public meetings, hearing all deliberations of the public’s business is critical to being able to hold government accountable.

Access to public records, including financial records, is just as critical.

Open government laws do not exist to protect and assist the media. Sunshine Laws exist to protect the public.

A government of, by and for the people must always be out in front. Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press