Every year in March, journalists, advocates, and engaged citizens come together to celebrate Sunshine Week, a national initiative promoting open government and the public’s right to know. As the editor of the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Freelance, I see firsthand the importance of transparency in government and why access to information is vital for our democracy.
Every year in March, journalists, advocates, and engaged citizens come together to celebrate Sunshine Week, a national initiative promoting open government and the public’s right to know. As the editor of the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Freelance, I see firsthand the importance of transparency in government and why access to information is vital for our democracy.
Sunshine Week, launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors (now the News Leaders Association), is about more than just journalists pushing for records or filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. It’s about the fundamental belief that government should operate in the open, accountable to the people it serves. Public records and open meetings are not just tools for reporters; they are rights afforded to every citizen.
--- Why Transparency Matters
Without transparency, those in power can make decisions without accountability, allowing corruption, waste, and mismanagement to fester. Government officials work for the people, and that means the public has a right to know how decisions are made, where tax dollars are spent, and what policies are being enacted.
Locally, we’ve seen the impact of open records and investigative reporting in holding leaders accountable. Whether it’s keeping track of school board decisions, city council meetings, or public infrastructure projects, transparency allows citizens to make informed decisions about their community.
--- The Challenges We Face
Despite laws protecting the public’s right to access government information, barriers still exist. Officials sometimes withhold records, cite exemptions improperly, or hold meetings in private when they should be public. Stonewalling and excessive redactions undermine the very principles of democracy.
That’s why Sunshine Week isn’t just a celebration - it’s a reminder that the fight for transparency is ongoing. It’s up to all of us - journalists, community members and local leaders - to insist on accountability and openness. --- What You Can Do
Sunshine Week is a call to action. You don’t need to be a journalist to champion transparency. Here are ways you can get involved:
• Attend local government meetings and ask questions.
• Request public records - whether it’s city budgets, police reports or school board minutes.
• Support local journalism, which plays a critical role in watchdog reporting.
• Contact your elected officials and advocate for stronger transparency laws.
- As your local newspaper, we remain committed to keeping the public informed, asking tough questions, and ensuring that government works for you. Open records and open meetings are not just the concerns of the press - they are the foundation of an informed and empowered citizenry.
Let’s use this Sunshine Week as a reminder that an informed community is a stronger community. If we don’t demand accountability, who will?
