2008 Woodie Awards
Sunshine Week celebrates government transparency
Sharolyn L. Hutton
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Letters to the Editor
Editor:
Our democracy depends on the informed participation of its citizens. For over 40 years, we Americans have exercised the rights guaranteed us by the Freedom of Information Act, which was signed into law in 1966. This act and subsequent statutes, called "sunshine laws", give us access to information and create government transparency. Whether it is tracking potential environmental hazards or attending and participating in public meetings regarding a number of other issues, citizen access is critical.
Sunshine Week, March 16 - 22, is an affirmation of our right to governmental information and decisions, as well as a call for citizens to continue to require all governmental agencies to adhere to our "sunshine laws."
The League of Women Voters' position on representative government supports an open government and an informed citizenry. Our democracy demands it.
Sharolyn L. Hutton is the president of the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County
Our democracy depends on the informed participation of its citizens. For over 40 years, we Americans have exercised the rights guaranteed us by the Freedom of Information Act, which was signed into law in 1966. This act and subsequent statutes, called "sunshine laws", give us access to information and create government transparency. Whether it is tracking potential environmental hazards or attending and participating in public meetings regarding a number of other issues, citizen access is critical.
Sunshine Week, March 16 - 22, is an affirmation of our right to governmental information and decisions, as well as a call for citizens to continue to require all governmental agencies to adhere to our "sunshine laws."
The League of Women Voters' position on representative government supports an open government and an informed citizenry. Our democracy demands it.
Sharolyn L. Hutton is the president of the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County
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