Local officials should acknowledge Sunshine Week
By
-
To the editor:
I couldn’t help but to have noticed at least two articles that you have had on your website in the past two days dealing with Sunshine Week 2012.
For those readers who are not aware:
“Sunshine Week is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know.” – www.sunshineweek.org
In light of the upcoming elections and the ongoing concerns on the behalf of involved citizens, I believe that Sunshine Week would be an excellent opportunity for local elected officials to raise public awareness to issues of open and honest government.
For instance, maybe the Highland County Board of Commissioners could issue a proclamation declaring it Sunshine Week in Highland County as they do with so many other weeks of awareness throughout the year.
After all, what more fitting awareness week for a governing body to recognize than the one that brings attention upon it and its efforts to ensure open and honest local government.
In presenting such a proclamation, the commissioners could speak to the availability and accuracy of public documents such as meeting minutes.
The proper notification of public meetings and special sessions could also be discussed as well as the care taken not to meet beyond the guidelines set forth in the Ohio Revised Code would also be an excellent topic to discuss.
Lastly, the commissioners could discuss how they are careful to make all decisions regarding the county’s business in an open an honest manner, carrying on thorough public debate and discussion prior to making any impactful decisions, especially as it relates to the budgeting and appropriation of our tax dollars.
Sincerely,
Fred Boggess
New Vienna[[In-content Ad]]
I couldn’t help but to have noticed at least two articles that you have had on your website in the past two days dealing with Sunshine Week 2012.
For those readers who are not aware:
“Sunshine Week is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know.” – www.sunshineweek.org
In light of the upcoming elections and the ongoing concerns on the behalf of involved citizens, I believe that Sunshine Week would be an excellent opportunity for local elected officials to raise public awareness to issues of open and honest government.
For instance, maybe the Highland County Board of Commissioners could issue a proclamation declaring it Sunshine Week in Highland County as they do with so many other weeks of awareness throughout the year.
After all, what more fitting awareness week for a governing body to recognize than the one that brings attention upon it and its efforts to ensure open and honest local government.
In presenting such a proclamation, the commissioners could speak to the availability and accuracy of public documents such as meeting minutes.
The proper notification of public meetings and special sessions could also be discussed as well as the care taken not to meet beyond the guidelines set forth in the Ohio Revised Code would also be an excellent topic to discuss.
Lastly, the commissioners could discuss how they are careful to make all decisions regarding the county’s business in an open an honest manner, carrying on thorough public debate and discussion prior to making any impactful decisions, especially as it relates to the budgeting and appropriation of our tax dollars.
Sincerely,
Fred Boggess
New Vienna[[In-content Ad]]