From the Raleigh News and Observer (3/15/09): Gov. Beverly Perdue answered questions about open government.
Q: Do you support President Obama’s concept that “in the face of doubt, openness prevails?”
PERDUE: Absolutely – and that is why I’ve pledged to run an administration of unprecedented transparency. I sincerely believe that only when the doors of government are open wide, and the sun really shines in, can government by the people really be for the people.
Q: Do you agree that state agencies should take steps to make information public and not wait for specific requests from the public? If so, what specific steps will you take? If not, why?
PERDUE: Yes, just look at my track record after less than two months in office. We live in the technology age, and that is why I’m launching NC Open Book by the end of the month, and why I’ve made put every penny of federal recovery money online – so tax dollars are accounted for, and used with transparency and efficiency.
Q: What information should be withheld from the public and why?
PERDUE: We should always err of the side of public disclosure. But there are a few instances when protecting information is in the public’s best interest. For example, it is appropriate to protect information if it might endanger public safety, or if the information would jeopardize economic development opportunities and/or business recruitment. Also, we’re bound by law to protect some personnel information for privacy reasons.
Q: Gov. Easley ordered executive branch e-mail messages should be treated as public records. Assuming you agree, do you think e-mail messages sent and received by members of the General Assembly in connection with legislative business are public as well?
PERDUE: Yes. The General Assembly is paid by the people, elected by the people and representative of the people. Their business should be conducted in the light of day.
Q: State law requires disclosure of a state employee’s current salary and most recent pay increase. But previous salary information is not public. For example, the public can’t find out how much a certain employee made two years ago, or how many staff members were in a particular office over a certain period of time and how much they were paid. If salaries are public record today, why aren’t salary histories?
PERDUE: This policy has been put in place by the General Assembly. As with all policies, it is open to scrutiny and review. And, in the name of transparency, I am open to reviewing this policy.
Q: Senate President Marc Basnight says that special provisions inserted into the budget during the final negotiations should continue because they’ve given us beneficial programs such as Smart Start. But they’ve also been abused. As a former budget chair, do you think special provisions should still be permitted?
PERDUE: Special provisions directly related to budget spending are appropriate, however, they should not be used to circumvent the legislative process or prevent open and thorough debate on major proposals and laws. …
Q: How can the public find out when special funds such as lottery money gets transferred to the General Fund?
PERDUE: The public can find out when special funds are transferred by contacting the Office of the State Controller. Any request made by the public to see transferred funds should be answered promptly and disclosed fully.
News and Observer Q&A