Today, celebrate your right to know

This Independence Day marks 41 years since the landmark Freedom of Information Act went into effect, yet many municipalities struggle with government secrecy today.

FOIA established our right to access government records and codified our right to know what our government is doing.

In recent years, however, this presumption has been eroding.

In the name of homeland security, opportunities for citizens to gain access to information have been limited.

FOIA and related state and local laws are only as good as we demand that they be. They are fundamental to the health of our democracy and require vigilance.

So this July 4th, exercise your right to know.

Ensure the transparency of our government by seeking records, attending a governmental meeting, or educating others about the importance of our right to know.

As members of the League of Women Voters, we are always working to keep our community strong, healthy and vibrant, and that all starts with having an open government.

Darlene Bakk

President

LWV of Geneva/St. Charles

Wasco