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If ever there were a time when openness and transparency in government was more important than now, we can't think of it. Look at what is happening nationally, as government assumes astonishingly more power. And how will that filter down to state and local governments as the nation trends toward socialism?
It is a huge concern. And it is one reason KSL joins other Utah news organizations in opposing a measure being considered on Capitol Hill that would weaken Utah's Government Records Access Management Act (GRAMA). Passage of House Bill 122 would make it more difficult for the public to gain access to information, especially information that may be filed as part of "anticipated" litigation. It would restrict certain records from the so-called "balancing test," which until now has allowed courts to decide whether requested information should be released.
GRAMA has served the free flow of information in Utah well since the early 1990's. It balances the public's constitutional right of access to information with privacy laws and government's responsibility to restrict access to certain records for the public good.
However, the changes being proposed clearly weigh the balance in favor of secrecy. That, in our view, is precisely the opposite of what ought to be happening during these changing times.
