At a time when public trust in our government is at a historic low, transparency has never been more important.
Decisions made by our elected officials have an impact on the lives of our families, friends, neighbors and communities. That is why we must protect — and not weaken — policies in Michigan that require information about government actions to be published online and in print by our local newspapers.
Some state lawmakers are considering removing public and legal notice requirements in Michigan. At a time when our state ranks among the worst in the United States for government transparency, this is a terrible idea that should be rejected.
Public notices provide access to information needed to participate in community decision-making on topics that could impact our everyday lives. Along with the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act, public notices are an essential part of ensuring the public can see what their elected officials are doing.
Our local newspapers remain the best place to publish public notices because they’re a trusted, independent third party. They provide a permanent, time stamped record of government activity that can’t be removed, edited, manipulated or lost somewhere on a government website. Local newspapers are also providing access to notices on their websites and on the website, Michigan Public Notices, which gives 24/7 access of notices to the public for free.
Newspapers are also accessible. Local Michigan newspapers, big and small, reach thousands of households and can also be found at public libraries and various other public spaces. They don’t depend on a person’s ability to access the internet, a smartphone or a government website.
Our state lawmakers should focus on improving transparency, not making it worse. Government works best when residents can inspect and see the ways important decisions are made and how public funds are spent.
Bruce Rolfe is the former publisher of the Climax Crescent.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Michigan’s public notices help hold elected officials accountable | Letter
Reporting by Bruce Rolfe, Letter to the Editor / The Holland Sentinel
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By Bruce Rolfe, Letter to the Editor | USA TODAY Network
