Not again

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Once again, an important initiative to improve transparency in government is on the verge of being sidelined in the Legislature. We see no good reason to let it die.

Last month, the Senate approved SF430, which would create the Iowa Public Information Board. The board would handle complaints, issue decisions and issue penalties for violations of Iowa's open records/open meetings laws, as well as educate government officials and the public. It would include representatives of Iowa broadcasters and newspaper associations, the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, state citizen's ombudsman office, Iowa League of Cities, and state associations for city and county government and school boards. Fair, logical representation at very low cost - respecting stepped-up scrutiny of every state budget dollar spent. A legal staffer would be hired, with little additional expense.

While there are weaknesses in the bill, putting the board in place is the important first step. It can be improved later.

The proposal was stuck in a House committee as of Thursday. Similar concepts the previous two years drew much bipartisan support, even as local government lobbyists threw a fit. Both were abandoned late in the session.

Don't let that happen again, legislators. Do what's right for Iowans.

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