InkBlots

Although the state’s Open Meetings Law and Public Records Act both say transparency should be the guiding principle in government, each statute contains a few exemptions. Police incident reports, for instance, are not public records, and public bodies such as a city council or a board of supervisors can go behind closed doors to discuss a potential new industry.

Let’s be clear. The Supreme Court and most trial courts in the state have been steadfast in enforcing the law as written. The problem is not the courts. It also should be said that many public officials do their best to follow a course of openness.

Unfortunately, some others do not. The real problem has been the Legislature’s unwillingness to provide the appropriate mechanisms, procedures and enforcement measures to make state and local government truly open.

MORE:

• The Sun Herald: “Trey Bobinger is a likable lawyer. For years, it was a pleasure to work with him when he was a spokesman for the state attorney general’s office. But he’s now a lobbyist for the Mississippi Sheriffs Association, and even his pleasant personality cannot make us like what he has to say…”
• Tim Kalich: Almost two weeks ago, a student allegedly brought a handgun to Amanda Elzy High School. It was a frightening situation, yet one that wasn’t brought to the public’s attention until a couple of days ago. Why is that? Because Mississippi’s loophole-ridden public records law gives too much discretion to public officials about what information they release.
• Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal: “It is cruel irony that in the age of unparalleled information access many people elected to lead, and their appointees, seek more and more to limit what the public knows about the work and business of government.”
• Geoff Pender: “Let’s give a hip-hip-hooray (or at least a golf clap) to the Senate and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant for coming up with an ethics-open government reform measure…But - you know how I hate to be cynical - I do have to question one of the main provisions. It would have the state Ethics Commission mediate disputes about open meetings. Hmmm. The state Ethics Commission. I’m sorry, but I just don’t remember that particular agency ever being all that into ethics or open government.
• Daily Times Leader: “This is not just ‘much ado about nothing.’ Public officials, whether elected or appointed by an elected party, should be accountable to the citizens. It is just that simple.”
• The Mississippi Press: ” The Senate recently passed an ethics law reform bill that, among other needed changes, would authorize the Ethics Commission to mediate alleged open meetings violations. The bill does nothing about records.”
• David Hampton: “Government secrecy is a problem that affects every citizen.”
• The Clarion-Ledger: “Mississippi open records and meetings laws are too weak. While courts often have expanded the scope more in line with the spirit, there are exemptions and enforcement weaknesses that throw frustrating roadblocks before citizens.”

Read the “Secrecy in Mississippi” series and learn more about the state’s public meetings and open records laws at the Mississippi Center for Freedom of Information Website.

Lloyd Gray, editor of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, on the upcoming Mississippi primary: “On March 11, Mississippians will begin the process of electing two new congressmen – one from our own 1st District – and will put in motion the mechanism to re-elect Sen. Thad Cochran to another six-year term.”

Jenny Humphryes, managing editor of the Greenwood Commonwealth, on the flap over the obese diner bill: “Can you imagine walking into a restaurant and the hostess looking at you and saying, ‘Miss, we can’t serve you today because you are too fat?’”

Terri Ferguson, reporter for the Delta Democrat Times, on Uno’s upset at the Westminster Dog Show: ” At last, beagle lovers are vindicated. Now the little rabbit-chasers will have the long overdue respect they deserve.”