Open meetings law gives responsibility to citizens

By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley and the state legislature took a critical move in protecting citizens' rights last week by unanimously agreeing to implement and uphold new Alabama meeting laws.
The "sunshine laws" used throughout our state were written with good principles and intentions in mind in 1915, but the 90-year old document lacked any significant structure to make sure that they were upheld.
In Franklin County, there have been a few, rare instances where it appears that those laws were not adhered to.
There have been a few times when particular bodies may have jumped into executive session too soon to discuss matters that may or may not be allowed under the existing laws, but it seems that those groups quickly corrected themselves when they became aware of potential violations of the sunshine laws.
In most cases, however, all of our governing bodies have maintained their fairness and integrity by allowing other citizens to know when and where meetings will be taking place and what will be discussed.
It is vital that all meetings be held in honest, open settings that allow concerned taxpayers to know what is going on.
The new laws will open public officials to court-ordered fines and possible lawsuits if violations occur.
Our public officials must know that there is proper protocol and requirements set aside for them to ensure that the meetings take place for all to see.
It is the duty of those officials to follow and abide by these laws, but it is the duty of all citizens to attend and participate in the meetings.
There is no need in having "open meetings" if there is no one to attend.
The state of Alabama's governing officials are trying to make sure that nothing is kept from us as citizens, so it is our responsibility to know what is available.