This living is not so hard as it seems

    An editor sent me a note today about some city government officials in his area.  They are frustrated that the public – -they mentioned attorneys, chiropractors, and others — ask for access to public records in their efforts to develop new business.  It’s just too much work — an annoyance, they say to this editor.

    My heart just aches for these poor souls. Their lives are so hard, they think.  It sure would be easier if we didn’t have to put up with those taxpayers out there, wouldn’t it?  They’re just a nuisance, aren’t they?

    Most business people understand pretty quickly that if their customers aren’t put first, they go elsewhere.  Unfortunately, these taxpayers cannot take their “business” elsewhere.  Perhaps if they could, the city officials would better understand the relationship between those who want access to public records and those who pay their salaries.

    “It isthe public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions,and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the publicunless otherwise provided by law.” the law says.  The law is pretty specific.  Open to the public means all members of the public. Not just members who are favorites of those holding the records.