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Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers Keep the sun shining on Florida By Michael Goforth
Today is Sunshine Sunday, an annual event begun in 2002 by the Florida Society of News paper Editors to remind lawmakers, policy makers, gov ernment officials and the public of the value of open govern ment and the continuing need to maintain public access to public records. Florida's history of open government began in 1909 with the Public Records Act. In later years, some of the state's lawmakers began ignoring the public. That led to reforms during the 1960s. It was in 1992, however, that Florida's open government regulations became a national model, as 81 percent of voters approved the Sunshine Amendment to the state Constitution, declaring that all government records and meet ings are open to the public unless specifically exempted by the Legislature based on "public necessity." That theoretically narrow exemption - "public necessity" - however, has not stopped the introduction of scores of bills each legislative session to exempt some special interests from having to conform to open-records requirements. Most of those bills are ultimately voted down, but the threat to public access demands constant vigilance. Several years ago, voters again demanded open government by passing with a 77 per cent majority an amendment requiring that any exemptions to the state's Public Records Law and Open Meetings Law be approved by the House and Senate by a two-thirds vote.
Because newspapers across the state led the way in promoting Sunshine Sunday, it may seem that we have a special interest in keeping records and meetings open as part of our job of informing the public. That's true. But, the need for open government is more than about the news media; it is about you, the public. The media are not a branch of the legislature or the courts or executive government. We are a branch of the public, assisting the public in acquiring the information it needs in making informed decisions - a critical factor in representative government. The news media generally have no more access to meetings and documents and other official information than any private citizen does. Consider, for example, that because of the state's open record laws, a homebuyer can check on the values of neighboring properties, taxes and crime levels in the neighborhood. Parents seeking a day-care center for their children can use public records to see if a center has been cited for violating health or safety standards. Someone seeking an accountant or funeral home di rector can verify licenses and check on any disciplinary conduct. Residents who are concerned about a new develop ment in their neighborhood can attend meetings about the development or obtain the minutes of those meetings and any documents related to the plans. Voters can find out how their elected representatives have voted on every issue that has come before them and can find out who has contributed to their election campaigns to see if some might be given special treatment. Public records - documents of actions taken by those paid with public funds and whose actions affect public funds - belong to you, the public. You have a vital stake in keeping those records available. So, join us today and every day in demanding that Florida keep the open government to which the public has an essential right.
Michael Goforth is opinion page edit or of the Tribune and can be reached at 409-1332 or by e-mail at tribedit@fptribune.com. |