Right of access to government information is a key component of an accountable government. Much of the public’s trust rests upon the government being openly accountable for its decisions, actions and mistakes. When government operates in secret or refuses to disclose information to the public, it is in essence stripping the public of its ability to oversee and hold the government accountable. Loss of public trust in the government often results from these situations. However, it is the government that first displays a lack of trust in the public — a lack of trust to handle and understand the information.
Top story: Aggravated Perjury Complaint filed.