Editor’s Corner: Read the fine print

As I write this editorial I’m not sure what the state legislators will do about the governor’s proposed FOI Bill. With that said, I am very happy the Senate spent all day Monday asking questions and seeking a revision of the bill.

The original bill literally gut Arkansas’s 56-year-old Freedom of Information Act, which is a role model for the rest of the country.

This bill goes far beyond the goal of protecting public officials and their families. If this bill passes, it will drastically weaken Arkansas FOIA laws and the public’s access to information. For all intents and purposes, this bill will eliminate the ability to hold our government accountable by shielding processes that provide essential context for decisions that affect millions of Arkansans. There must be transparency in government processes and accountability as to how taxpayer dollars are spent.

I spent several hours this past weekend contacting legislators and attempting to convince them to read the fine print. As your newspaper editor, I am positive this Bill would have a determental affect on our society. The people, who foot the bill, have a right to know the actions of politicians.

Do you want to know why people with hidden agendas don’t like me? I read the fine print and I use a highlighter. Then I ask questions. I try speak up for the average citizen… the majority of the population who is ignored and continually left to pay the price. It doesn’t matter to me if you are a democrat, a republican or an independent, if you have a hidden agenda that is not in the best interest of the people, you are wrong! If the person representing you on the national, state or local level is not reading the fine print they are part of the problem!

It will be interesting to see what the legislators in Little Rock end up deciding on this bill, but I am proud the Senate has finally decided to read the fine print.

Sandra Brand is the editor of the NEA Town Courier and The Osceola Times. She may be reached by phone at 870-763-4461 or 870-563-2615 or by email at brand@osceolatimes.com.