Don’t be kept in the dark: It’s your right to know
Municipalities, county governments and school districts work hard to be smart with taxpayers’ money, keep streets clean and clear and educate the next generation.
But it’s important for the public to be aware of what’s going on to ensure those in the know are doing what’s right.
Find out about how to get access to public records, understand what should be discussed in public meetings, and get answers to other questions about the state’s Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act.
A free forum is from 7-8:30 p.m. March 15 in the Gallery Room at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.
Tim Ford, open government ombudsman for the state Attorney General’s Office, will be part of a three-member panel discussion.
Joining him are Galt Pettett, general counsel for the Richland School District, and Rebecca Francik, Pasco City Council’s mayor pro tem.
The panelists will talk about their experiences — both the good and bad — answer questions about what works and what could work better, and discuss how to balance public interest and access to government with dwindling government resources.
The program is organized by the William O. Douglas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists as part of Sunshine Week.
It is sponsored by the Tri-City Herald and the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.
For more information, contact Paula Horton, Tri-City Herald reporter and president of the William O. Douglas SPJ chapter, at 582-1556 or phorton@tricityherald.com.
