Last weekend’s sunshine was bright enough to put a smile on anyone’s face, especially with the summer-like temperatures we experienced Saturday and Sunday.
That sunshine was on my mind, in my face and in the newspaper Saturday afternoon as I sat outside to read and study Mark Miller’s second news analysis about property taxes and how increased tax bills have left several area residents scratching their heads and asking important questions.
If you missed either article on Friday or Saturday, it’s well worth your time to go back and read both. In fact, you may need to read them a couple of times, as it’s a complex issue that Mark was able to break down well to help us understand the myriad of factors at work that go into determining the amount due on our biannual tax bills.
And if you missed the first installment that Mark published on March 19, it would be worth your time to read and reread that piece as well.
I’m not sure if Mark intended for his first article to appear specifically in the March 19 issue, but the symbolic timing of that first installment can’t be ignored and is worth mentioning today.
Since 2005, those of us in the journalism world have celebrated National Sunshine Week. Those seven days don’t have anything to do with the climate outside but rather they specifically celebrate open government and access to public records.
Back in 2005, the American Society of News Editors (today it’s known as the News Leaders Association) created what has turned into the annual National Sunshine Week. Its goal is to make everyone aware of the plethora of public records they have access to and laws about open meetings. These records and open-meeting laws are essential to a democracy in which all citizens can hold government accountable.
This year’s National Sunshine Week was March 13-19.
Mark’s initial Page 1 story about property tax bills that appeared in the March 19 News-Banner shows how reporters around the United States access public records every day to hold government accountable and responsible.
The positive that comes from having such laws is celebrated in this newspaper every day. That open access lets journalists — and anyone else — view public information such as taxing documents.
One of the most important roles that a newspaper plays in any community is to serve as a watchdog of government — to be that set of eyes that keep an eye on those we elect and those who serve in positions of authority as we ask the questions that our readers want to know.
Recently, that question happens to be why are my property taxes higher and what is going to change in the coming years.
There are still a lot of questions to ask yet most of us don’t know where to start or are too busy to find time to ask them. That’s where local journalism comes in — to keep an eye on what’s happening and to keep us informed about everything from property taxes to politics.
I can’t imagine living in a community without the Fourth Estate keeping an eye on everything for us. I hope you feel the same, as abundant checks and balances — especially from the free press — are essential to our democracy.
The sun may not be as bright outdoors this week but it’s never too late or too early to celebrate National Sunshine Week.
jdpeeper2@hotmail.com
