CGS-authored
Californians, and U.S. citizens in general, enjoy a birthright that many of us take for granted.
Here, our elected leaders must inform us of their meetings and openly deliberate any decisions. Citizens, with some exceptions, can gain access to records generated by public agencies.
The privileges are the cornerstones of our democracy, but like the foundations of an aging house, they demand regular attention, and even some mortar work. When Californians exercise their right to open government, everyone wins.
Consider the case of LeRoy Munsch. By insisting on his right to attend meetings and demand documents from the Northridge (now Sacramento Suburban) Water District, this Arden-area resident alerted the media and authorities to a serious financial scandal. His activism helped expose how district leaders were siphoning off funds. It led to two successful prosecutions and closer scrutiny of local districts statewide.
Proposition 59, which voters approved in November, will help watchdogs such as Munsch. This new law places the burden on government to demonstrate why records shouldn't be released. Over time, it will give the public more insight into deliberations...
Here, our elected leaders must inform us of their meetings and openly deliberate any decisions. Citizens, with some exceptions, can gain access to records generated by public agencies.
The privileges are the cornerstones of our democracy, but like the foundations of an aging house, they demand regular attention, and even some mortar work. When Californians exercise their right to open government, everyone wins.
Consider the case of LeRoy Munsch. By insisting on his right to attend meetings and demand documents from the Northridge (now Sacramento Suburban) Water District, this Arden-area resident alerted the media and authorities to a serious financial scandal. His activism helped expose how district leaders were siphoning off funds. It led to two successful prosecutions and closer scrutiny of local districts statewide.
Proposition 59, which voters approved in November, will help watchdogs such as Munsch. This new law places the burden on government to demonstrate why records shouldn't be released. Over time, it will give the public more insight into deliberations...