Resolution Celebrates 'Open Government' and Freedom of Information

Posted: March 13, 2011 | Senator Bartlett, Senator Hobbins

Senator Barry Hobbins of Saco presented a Joint Resolution proclaiming Sunshine Week for the week of March 13 through March 19. Sunshine Week promotes the public’s right to know what government is doing and why.

During his floor speech, Sen. Hobbins, a founding member and former Chair of Maine’s Right to Know Advisory Committee said, “We have continued to make significant progress in recognizing the importance of an open government.”

Sunshine Week is a national effort led by the American Society of News Editors. It started in 2002, as a response by some Florida legislators to create exemptions to the state’s public records law.

Senator Phil Bartlett of Gorham also spoke on behalf of the merits of open government. “Transparency is essential to an open society,” said Bartlett. “I hope the executive branch will follow the lead of this resolution.”

Yesterday, by Executive Order, Governor LePage announced the formation of a Business Advisory Council in which he exempted the Council from Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. Many governors have initiated similar councils and advisory groups but no other governor has kept the public out of the state’s business.

In reaction to the Executive Order, Sen. Hobbins sent a letter to the Governor asking him to reconsider the language exempting the Council from FOAA.

“I commend the Governor for forming the Council and offered to help, but I am disappointed that I have not heard back from the Governor,” said Hobbins. “I am concerned that what we have here is a shadow government forming—one where we don’t know who is involved or what’s on their agenda.”

Hobbins went on to point out Governor LePage’s inauguration speech where he vowed to be the most transparent administration. “Denying Maine people a right to know what is going on in their state might follow the letter of the law but it is not in keeping with the spirit of the law or the way Maine people do business.”

Forty years ago, the Maine Legislature was the first in the nation to enact a freedom of access law.