Newspaper

The long history of newspapers remains as vital as ever in American life, particularly the ability and freedom of news organizations to explore government records and publish public notices to large audiences.

While government works with a general degree of openness in the United States, a foresight of the nation’s Founders, the temptation and loftiness that comes from attaining the power of public office demands that citizens and news organizations practice scrutiny.

Governing bodies, such as a city council or county commission, keep minutes or records of their meetings. Those official notes are public records. The expenditures of elected officials and government workers made on behalf of operating a municipality are public record, too.

Any citizen or reporter has the right to ask for and receive information from local, state or federal governments. In the foundation of the country, all actions of government are intended to be public and accessible. 

The simple reason is that American government was created to be nothing more than average citizens representing average citizens.

Citizens are the government.

Nothing is more troubling or dangerous to freedom than governments at any level meeting in secret, blocking access to documents that track their actions, or attempting to obstruct the public’s right to know through self-serving legislation. 

A newspaper such as The Cullman Times with its long-established print edition and burgeoning digital site at cullmantimes.com offers far-reaching platforms for keeping the public informed. 

Everything from proposed city ordinances, delinquent tax roles to planned government projects appear in public notices as required by law.

Our reporters attend meetings that are open to anyone, but not often well attended. Reporters are ensuring the community is informed and has access to decisions and discussions by elected officials.

As we enter into Sunshine Week, which strongly emphasizes open meetings and transparency among government officials, the foremost topic is your right to know.

The Times will publish additional articles through the week to remind readers of their right to have access to information.

Open records are a protection of America’s foundation of freedoms. The right to know protects against waste and corruption in government and creates more effective public servants.

At The Times, we will continue to let the sun shine on government through reporting and access to valuable documents that affect the lives of everyone in the community.

We urge everyone to follow the daily reporting of news through the print and digital editions published at The Times. And be sure to stay involved in your government to ensure that the community prospers through open, effective leadership. 

Your right to know is an assurance of freedom.