You have a right to know what government does. Don’t let Florida lawmakers keep you in the dark

The cornerstone of our constitutional democratic republic is protecting citizens’ right to full and public notice when their elected officials are discussing or making decisions that could affect taxpayers’ daily lives.

As a nonpartisan government watchdog and taxpayer-research institute that focuses on promoting government accountability and transparency, Florida TaxWatch supports government entities’ use of public notices in local newspapers of record to notify all of their constituents of meetings and votes.

Unfortunately, current proposed legislation would let local government websites be the only required source for public notice posting.

This would mean that local newspapers would, in most cases, no longer be required to house and circulate public notices, making Floridians less informed about current government issues.

Since newspapers and their websites possess a larger audience, because of a wealth of information across a breadth of issues, the fact that these media outlets would no longer be required to house public notices will result in less written information provided to the people.

An independent Mason-Dixon poll shows that Floridians overwhelmingly want wider access to public-notice information: 78% of respondents want local governments to carry public notices in newspapers, and 61% said they would not seek out information on government websites.

In addition, the proposed legislation shifts delivering public-notice information from an active to a passive stance. Newspapers reach out to their audiences through intentional delivery, also offering accessibility to those without an internet connection. A notice strictly available on government-run websites would eliminate the critical neutrality and independence of a newspaper or other third party. It would be possible, likely even, for government entities to miss notification deadlines, leave out critical information or make changes electronically to items on their websites without public knowledge. When something runs in the newspaper, it is permanently printed and distributed for all to reference and reexamine anytime.

Florida TaxWatch considers transparency and accountability of paramount importance when it comes to state and local governments’ interactions with their residents.

In order for residents to trust and hold their government accountable, taxpayers should be entitled to an unabridged and open flow of information concerning public notices in their communities. They should not be beholden to government websites to provide them with critically important and timely information.

This is why Florida TaxWatch promoted policies that expanded the use and access to public-notice information through newspapers, their websites and even email to residents who requested updated notices.

With newspapers providing third-party verification, Florida taxpayers are ensured greater access to public-notice information, allowing them to stay in the know about their communities and just how their hard-earned dollars are being used.

Dominic M. Calabro is president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux is chairman of Florida TaxWatch and chairman of the Gunster Firm.