Editorial

Citizens fill vital role in the work of government boards

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Too often, those who are affected by their decisions don't get involved until it's too late, and too often they react out of ignorance and fear rather than knowledge and assurance that the board has the good of the community at large in mind.

That's why the Gazette always does whatever it can to spotlight what the school board, City Council, commissioners or other public bodies plan to consider, or already decided to do.

Not only does the public need to know what is going on, but has an important role to play in bringing concerns to the public body's attention in time to avoid mistakes.

That's why we've been concerned when public boards move away from encouraging public input by undermining the three reading rule, or only reluctantly provide access to which the public clearly has a right under the Nebraska public records and open meetings laws.

Yes, it's cozier when public meetings don't include any dissent, but it's also a recipe for disaster.

As we've written before, when public meetings are short and sweet, we tend to wonder what details have been glossed over, overlooked or manipulated before the meeting even began.

It's important that public officials need to be able to discuss public business candidly, but it's even more important that the public know where and why its tax money is being spent.

As a reminder, Nebraska Statutes §84-1409 et seq., the Open Meetings law, allows only exceptions such as collective bargaining, real estate purchases, litigation, to protect an individual's reputation, and security personnel and devices.

The Open Records Law, Nebraska Statutes §84-712 et seq., provides that the only information excluded from open sessions is personal information on student and personnel records; medical records; trade secrets; academic and scientific research; attorney work product; law enforcement or investigative records; some archeological records; and real estate appraisals.

Public meetings are not, or should not, be a case of "us" the board members against "them," citizens who have a concern.

Instead, public decisions are best made only after full disclosure of all the facts and airing of all legitimate concerns.

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