“A popular government without popular information, or means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or Tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.”
– James Madison
Ten years ago today, we asked an important question on the front page – What would you do without your local newspaper?
Sunshine Week was launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors – now News Leaders Association – and has grown into an enduring initiative to promote open government.
The News Leaders Association has partnered with The Society of Professional Journalists to host the annual nationwide celebration of access to public information and what it means for you and your community. It’s your right to know.
We are the window through which that sunlight shines, twice a week, every week, in your local newspaper.
Do you care about the amount of money in taxes you pay on your property? Do you care about the amount of money in taxes you pay for your business? Do you care about how that money is spent? Do you care about the future of our community?
Sunshine Week is celebrated in March to go along with the birthday of James Madison, which is tomorrow, March 16. His quote listed above is as true now as it was in his time.
Like it or not, all of our lives are tied to the government which rules our county, state and country. Our money – through taxes – fuels it, and our votes determine those who represent us. We live in the greatest country the world has ever known, even though we are currently experiencing a national hiccup in leadership.
Here in Habersham County though, we live on the 50-yard line of the good life. Our local elected officials are friends and neighbors. But for our community to reach its full potential, they need our participation – your participation. The government’s meetings and business should be conducted in the open.
We should always assume every government meeting is open to anyone. A closed meeting should be the exception. And we always need to politely ask our elected officials why they need to go behind closed doors to discuss public business. Legally, there are only four reasons elected officials can go behind closed doors. They are to discuss and deliberate personnel, litigation, the purchase of property and cybersecurity. In our view, only meetings that include private information about an employee or require attorney-client privilege should be closed.
All votes, however, must be taken in front of the people.
Remember, they are working for you.
Our responsibility as your local newspaper is to first keep our community informed. This involves everything from serving as the watchdog for local taxpayers to covering local sports and happenings. We will continue to be the light that shines the way for this community.
Onward and upward, Habersham County.