Gov. Mark Sanford's decision to allow
public access to his Cabinet meetings is a victory for open
government that sets a good example for local governments and other
public bodies.
The move is a turnaround for the governor. Most of his first
Cabinet meeting was closed to the media. When members of the press
objected, Sanford argued that the Cabinet could talk more freely and
accomplish more outside the glare of the media spotlight.
But the calls to open Cabinet meetings persisted. Members of the
S.C. Press Association unanimously approved a resolution late last
month asking Sanford to follow the state Freedom of Information Act
and open the meetings to the public.
The Society of Professional Journalists argued that governors can
set an example for school boards and other public bodies by opening
meetings to the press and the public.
Sanford, to his credit, listened to the arguments and agreed to
allow the media to sit in on Cabinet meetings. He was persuaded, in
particular, by the idea that the governor needs to set the example
for other public bodies.
"The governor felt if the trickle-down effect of local
governments closing their meetings was happening, then that
unintended consequence would run counter to his goals of open
government," said Will Folks, the governor's spokesman.
In fact, the open-meetings policy seems closer to the governor's
true philosophy than closed-door Cabinet meetings. During the
campaign for governor, Sanford frequently espoused openness and
accountability in government.
Some might view this about-face as a victory for the media. We
hope, instead, that people see it as a victory for the right of all
citizens to know not only the decisions made by public officials but
also how those decisions were made and what influenced them.
In the absence of public scrutiny, officials are free to cater to
special interests or to disregard the best interests of the people
of this state with impunity. Open meetings, by contrast, tend to
discourage that.
Yes, this was a victory for the press. But the duty of the press
is to function as surrogates for the public, as the eyes and ears of
the average citizen at these meetings.
We commend the governor for his willingness to listen to
differing points of view and for having the gumption to change his
mind. We think he made a good decision.
In summary
|
Governor strikes a blow for open government by allowing
coverage of Cabinet meetings.
|
