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Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Ind. Gov't. - Evansville Courier & Press opines on Sunshine Week

The Evansville Courier& Press (whose website has become increasingly frustrating to use) has an editorial today titled "Sunshine Week." Some quotes:

On balance, Indiana has done itself proud in striving to keep government open and accessible in the aftermath of the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. While nationwide there has been a trend toward limiting access to government information - apparently intended to protect us - Indiana has gone in the other direction

Our own view is that efforts to limit public access are more likely for the protection of public officials from the electorate, while at the same time gradually closing the door to democracy. * * *

As we said, Indiana is doing better than many other states "on balance." That's because we find it both ironic and terribly disappointing that during this week, as the Indiana Legislature completes its 2006 session, it does so without putting a stop to "serial meetings."

For the second year in a row, a bill that would have banned government boards in Indiana from holding small, closed meetings, each with less than a quorum, has died. Those who hold these meetings have found that it is a way of avoiding public scrutiny at meetings in which the public's business is discussed.

It runs afoul of everything positive that Indiana has accomplished in this important area of public policy, and it must be stopped.

See also this ILB entry from Feb. 22nd.

[More] See also this Munster (NW Indiana) Times story titled "Citizens can monitor public officials' actions by viewing online meeting minutes."

Posted by Marcia Oddi on March 15, 2006 08:41 AM
Posted to Indiana Government