A citizen speaks
Aug 20th, 2007 by JamieB
I can blog until I’m blue in the face about the fact that open records reform is not a newspaper issue. It is a public issue. So when I read a letter, such as that below from a Lancaster County woman, I want to stand up and cheer.
Demand open records
Editor: I am appealing to your readers to join the campaign for open records in Pennsylvania. As taxpayers, it is critical that we take this opportunity to insure our state Legislature changes Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law by presuming all government records are open beyond a list of specific exceptions. The “flip of presumption” is long overdue. Pennsylvania provides its citizens some of the weakest access laws in the country.
The 1957 law reflects the thinking of that time. In it, only two limited categories are designated as public, allowing elected officials discretionary powers to deny citizens information. Changes would give taxpayers greater access to municipal materials, which are often compiled at taxpayer expense. In this age of information, categories of records exceed those designated in the 1957 law. It is shameful when that is used as a basis for denial. The outdated law provides too many loopholes that can be abused.
As taxes increase and local governments develop policies and make decisions that have greater impact on citizens’ quality of life, it is no longer acceptable to be excluded from the process. While some local government officials recognize the need, and value, of keeping citizens informed, others still implement decades-old practices of refusing citizens information and denying requests for reports, expenses, studies, proposed policies, draft ordinances, etc. Personalities determine what is public, rather than the taxpayers’ right to know what their elected officials are doing. When simple interest expressed by citizens rouses acrimony, it is time for review and change. Pennsylvania is not in the 1950s anymore.
State lawmakers are conducting hearings on proposed changes to the open records law. By contacting your state senator and representative and asking them to support changes to open records legislation — the “flip of presumption,” you can mandate public access to records. In addition, contact Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi and House Majority Leader William DeWeese .
Along with the Sunshine Act, this is one of the most important laws for Pennsylvania citizens. The “we’ll decide what you need to know” form of government should have been put in a time capsule long ago. Make your voice heard.
May W. Gaynor
Strasburg, Pa.