A better way to ensure public access

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Are public records and access to public meetings important to Iowans? We think so. And the results a new scientific poll commissioned by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council provide solid verification.

Results of that poll will be featured in a special Sunday Gazette report on Iowa's sunshine laws. It's a cooperative project involving the Iowa FOI Council, Iowa Newspaper Association and nine daily newspapers.

We urge our readers to read the report because it's really about every Iowan's right - not just the media's - to access public information and attend open meetings. It's about improving the timeliness and response to disputes, differences and misunderstandings involving government agencies. It's about making the process less foreboding so citizens with legitimate complaints and concerns aren't discouraged or intimidated.

As we have argued previously over the past several years, we believe one of the best ways to improve that process is to create a state public information board. It would interpret questions about open meetings/open records law and arbitrate disputes between the government entity, individuals, organizations and media without having to rely on the overburdened court system. It also would have enforcement power, with the ability to levy fines.

Various information board proposals have been considered by the Iowa Legislature since 2007, including one passed by the Senate last year. Critics say it's not needed, the Iowa Attorney General's Office can resolve complaints, and creating a board is too expensive.

We disagree. As it stands today, serious disputes can require expensive, time-consuming legal action. The proposed board would cost as little as $150,000 a year to operate. And with an easier, inexpensive avenue, who knows how many more Iowans would bring problems to light.

Certainly, your right to know the public's business deserves a designated safeguard. Tell your legislator it's high time to authorize the public information board.

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