'Sunshine Week' - promoting open government and the public's 'right to know'

A bill was passed in the 79th Legislature which mandated training to ensure that both elected and appointed officials understand open records and open meetings statutes. Other state laws mandate that government agencies hold public meetings and allow citizens to witness deliberations and voting processes.

Today, government entities announce upcoming meetings and make it easy for citizens to inspect records of all types. In certain government sectors, there is almost a race to see who can make information more accessible. A few Texas school districts go so far as to post their superintendents' contracts on their Web sites. Cities and counties post meeting reports, budgetary information and long-range planning documents. Almost all post upcoming bid opportunities.

The State of Texas now has a Web site that allows citizens to track the movement of bills during legislative sessions. Committees are careful about advertising upcoming hearings and making minutes and lists of witnesses who testified before legislative groups available to the public. Access to legislative information is easier also because it's now possible to get an audio/video feed daily of legislative activities which comes directly through a personal computer or cable connection.

Some Texas agencies list all expenditures on the State Comptroller's Web site or on their own agency Web site. Information is available on goods and services purchased and at what price. Most governmental entities post bid notices as well. The trick to getting good information may end up being one's ability to maneuver the various Web sites.

And if there something a citizen wants to know that isn't on an agency Web site, the remedy is to simply ask for the data. No apology is required and citizens should not be hesitant to seek legitimate information.

Those who have difficulty obtaining information or documents from governmental entities should learn to place a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. There is procedure to be followed and it is critically important to be extremely specific about the type of data being sought.

Public records are just that - public. There's a lot to be learned by examining the workings of government - whether at the state or local level. Interested in more information about Texas's Open Records statutes? Contact Reagan Weil at 531-3900 or rweil@spartnerships.com for information at no charge.

Sunshine is good when it comes to information. The public has a right to know what those who govern are doing…and the accountability that goes along with that right helps assure good government.