From the Watauga Democrat (3/12/12): North Carolina's public records laws rank among the most highly regarded in the nation. There is work to be done to make them even better, but access for our citizens is better than most.
It is with that thought in mind that we join many across the country in celebrating National Sunshine Week, which runs today through next Saturday.
Sunshine Week was launched in 2005. The N.C. Open Government Coalition and the N.C. Press Association are leading advocates in our state, and newspapers from Murphy to Manteo have long been a part of keeping public meetings and public records open.
The NCPA, of which the Watauga Democrat is a proud member, seeks to keep the entire state government process accessible to the public. Public meetings and public records are and should always be open.
The N.C. Open Government Coalition realizes the value of informed citizens, and believes “democracy functions best when citizens know what government is doing.” When citizens have access to public records and the decision-making process, this can be accomplished.