Transparency Can't Be Taken for Granted

In my column in The News Tribune this morning, I used the example of Bell, California, to make a larger point on budget transparency. (If you're not familiar with Bell, this link provides some context.) I also want to plug a group that works hard to make sure Washingtonians have access to good, timely information.

The Washington Coalition on Open Government – an indispensable group whose membership includes many of the state’s major news organizations – exists to spur compliance with open meetings and public records laws. They offer public education programs to assure citizens know their rights.

Just as Neighborhood Watch promotes safe neighborhoods, groups like WCOG and active civic volunteers – including bloggers and gadflies – secure transparent government. Public participation is always inconvenient and messy. Secrecy is government’s default position.

Grading on the Bell curve, Washington governments generally get high marks. The day we take transparency for granted is the day we begin to lose it.

Given the depths of our economic and budget problems, it's vital that we stay engaged and vigilant. And, in that regard, I commend to you this column by Erin McCallum of Enterprise Washington. She explains the importance of this election to a healthy private sector.