by Darrin A Yarbrough

Created on: February 04, 2009

Government information available to the public should include services offered to the taxpayer resulting from those taxes. This information should be available to the public guiding them, enabling them to access resources designed to benefit as well as documents, and forms, which are required to be complete in order to comply with regulatory statutes.

Information to clarify legislative action should also remain available through offices of government providing the service. This should be available prior to any initial vote by any legislative body enabling the public to attend supporting or defending a position, or to propose alternatives worthy of consideration. After passing any initial action whether it is a Senate bill, Assembly bill, or a local town hall statute, the information should remain accessible providing guidance and direction regarding results and anticipated consequences.

Government archives should serve as a repository for access by persons conducting research into historical events, any items under the freedom of information act remaining accessible to the public for reference and review. Transcribing this information takes time and effort. With the advent of the Internet, the public recognizes the simplicity of access to information when "on-line." Less obvious is expenses associated with the efforts to make information accessible. What is evident is the presence of the Internet creates an effective vehicle in which to convey information to the public. Not so evident is this expectation creates labor intense effort not always supported by budgets of governmental agencies. Agencies are expected to function as they always have with the additional burden of disclosing information associated with its objective to the public via the Internet.

One can recognize some organized preparation of information, documentation, and forms reduces the need for excessive government employees, however, other aspects of compiling information for public access creates tax implications overcome with increases in public contribution. Something not as readily embraced as the idea of accessible information. The balance of access to information must remain in equilibrium with the tax burden the public will embrace. This creates two avenues for examination of information expected to be off limits to public access. This author personally does not feel immediate need for the publication of statistics associated with flatulence of cattle and its affects on global warming.

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