NC Open Government

"I think the law in and of itself is fairly well constructed, but how it is carried out from place to place can vary from time to time," said Fred Clasen-Kelly, a reporter for the Charlotte Observer.

The When Government Gets It Right panel started with everyone on their feet, as Sue Rowland, moderator and Town of Cary clerk asked everyone who believed in open government to stand up.

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue signed a Sunshine Week 2012 proclamation that recognizes this week as a celebration of government openness across the state.

Barbara Petersen described the inextricable relationship between an open government and the foundation of democracy during her keynote speech that opened Sunshine Day observances at Elon University March 14.

From the Wilmington StarNews (3/14/12): One of the linchpins of democracy is the public's right to access government records.

From the Jamestown News (3/14/12): If you want to find out how much the town manager makes or the crime statistics for the past week, you can thank the Sunshine Laws and Freedom of Information Act for being able to get the answers.

From the Smoky Mountain News (3/14/12): We — this country, its leaders and all of us — are imperfect. We're human, and that means we get it wrong sometimes.

From the Warren Record (3/14/12): A grassroots effort is under way in the town of Warrenton to urge government transparency and greater citizen involvement in making sure that all government action is conducted “out in the sunshine.”

From the Outer Banks Sentinel (3/13/12): Sunshine Week, a national recognition of the importance of open government and freedom of information, appears to be cloudy over Dare County Courthouse.

From the Durham Herald-Sun (3/13/12): No one knows about that-man-done-you-wrong days like Billie Holiday.