No questions asked
Hopefully, you read with interest, as we did, the results of this week’s audit of town halls, police stations and schools by the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition. Simply put, the audit’s purpose was to learn whether local towns were allowing the public proper access to public documents.
The results were pretty good compared to a previous audit. Statewide, a little more than half of the local governments responded quickly and professionally to requests for information. Locally, it was heartening to see towns in the Lakes Region respond well to citizen requests for information. It is vital that the public can access information, and it appears that our town clerks and school personnel are well informed about the public’s right to information.
Windham, except for the police department, which asked for identification from the auditor, passed with flying colors. In Standish, there was a bit of curiosity on the part of the clerk, but, eventually, the requested information was given out in a timely fashion.
In Raymond, there was confusion on the part of the clerk as to what the request was for, but nothing was withheld on purpose. The auditor asked for a record of tax liens and the clerk responded that the town had no tax liens because it had just performed a revaluation. All towns have recorded liens on property and a trained clerk should have been able to provide that information.
Other towns around Vacationland didn’t fare so well. Some town managers were hostile to auditors’ requests. Some, personally threatened by the audit, called it a “witch hunt.” Others took an arrogant approach and refused to share information claiming the auditor had no business or good enough reason to ask for it.
The wide range of responses is not all that surprising. We know some towns get it right, and we know some don’t. We can forgive those public officials who are ignorant, but we can’t forgive those who willfully disregard the law. They should lose their jobs, as it’s evident they have forgotten who they truly work for, the Maine people.
But the audit is also an indication that, yes, we can forgive those who don’t know the law, but we must dedicate time and resources to educate our town, school and police officials, especially those who deal directly with the public. Obviously, the higher-ups should know the law, but the people who meet customers should know the law just as well.
Here’s hoping the next time the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition conducts an audit we’ll see 100 percent compliance. Then, we’ll know we’re headed in the right direction.
In defense of independence
How many times did someone say “Happy Fourth of July” to you this week? A lot? Now, how many people wished you a “Happy Independence Day?” Not as many, eh?
So, whatever happened to Independence Day? Does everyone nowadays only refer to the occasion by referencing the date Independence was declared – July 4, 1776?
Because of the slacking culture, you have to think twice to remember what the day is truly for. It’s the day we declared independence from Britain, a day that the Sons of Liberty took a stand against tyranny from their oppressor. What a day, indeed. It’s not just a date, but a day – Independence Day!
So, all you red-white-and-blue-blooded, liberty-loving Americans out there, please don’t forego the term, “Independence Day.” Let’s keep it alive. It is just a small thing, but that day is the foundation our prosperous and happy lives are built on.
-John Balentine, editor
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