The Observation Deck

Lakewood Board of Education Supporter of Sunshine Week
Resolution passed in support of open and transparent government

The Lakewood Board of Education at its meeting on March 7, 2011, endorsed national Sunshine Week (March 13-19) by unanimously passing a “Sunshine Week Proclamation” that outlines the government body’s commitment to openness and transparency.

The proclamation in part states that “every citizen in our participatory democracy has an inherent right to access to government meetings and public records” and that “an open and accessible government is vital to establishing and maintaining the people’s trust and confidence in their government and in the government’s ability to effectively serve its citizens.”

The proclamation goes on to state that “the Lakewood City Schools is committed to openness in all aspects of its operations and seeks to set a standard in this regard.”

And finally, “the Lakewood City Schools commits … to work diligently to enhance the public’s access to government records and information, to increase information provided electronically and online, and to ensure that all meetings of deliberative bodies under its jurisdiction, and their committees, are fully noticed and open to the public.”

“The Lakewood City Schools enjoys a great deal of trust from our community in no small part due to the Lakewood Board of Education’s commitment to maintaining open and accessible government that is vital to maximizing our system of public education,” said Board President Matthew John Markling. “I hope that Lakewood will join the Lakewood City Schools celebrate our transparent school system during Sunshine Week.”
Sunshine Week is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know. National Sunshine Week was instituted in 2005.




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I welcome this leadership role by Lakewood Schools, I hope that it washes over the entire
city, state and non-profits that deal with this community.

8 years ago when we started the Lakewood Observer it was because far too much was
done behind closed doors in small coffee clatches and out of sight. We knew the great
grapevine called Lakewood, nothing is ever really hidden. So lets put it out there.
Of course none of this would be necessary should it ever be all be put out there.

Lakewood Board of Education and Matt Markling thank you for the public stance towards
openness, transparency and trusting Lakewood residents to know, care and understand
what you are doing and trying to do.

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It's a good opportunity to give pause on an important issue.

Jim,

It is shame that we need to have a separate week to celebrate the sunshine! An open government should be the expectation of every citizen, and “transparency” not just seen as an overused word to be hidden in the shade. It is, after all, the foundation of a true democracy. If citizens are kept in the dark, how can we truly make informed decisions?

Thank you for providing all of Lakewood with a forum to share their ideas in a transparent and accountable manner. Everyone owns their real thoughts with their real names – whether you are a civic/appointed/elected leader, citizen, or journalist.

Both “transparency” and “accountability” are important for the Lakewood City Schools because, after all, we are responsible for serving as prudent stewards of our tax dollars and, most importantly, providing an excellent education for all our children.

A friend asked me to write a few articles for The Lakewood Observer explaining the importance an open government has on our system of public education so, stealing a quote from you, “More to follow.”

In the meantime …



Matt

Matthew

I know how long you have worked on this, and many other aspects of opening the process,
not because of nefarious dealings, but simply because it is the best way for government
officials to carry on the business of the residents.

But I am thinking more like this...




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Edward Favre wrote:It's a good opportunity to give pause on an important issue.

Let's get stuck.

Meg Ostrowski wrote:

Edward Favre wrote:It's a good opportunity to give pause on an important issue.

Let's get stuck.

Checking in this morning, I felt bad that my comment may have come off as smart-alecky. Sorry Ed. I was simply trying to reinforce what Matt & Jim were expressing here about the importance of transparency & accountability in government in all their dealings, throughout the year...not just the week.

We all have a tendency to forget our broader audience when we are comfortable. I see it happening here on the Deck too. Unfortunately it leaves people feeling left out and discourages them from participating. I will try to do a better job first time around.

Meg:

I understand. Weeks or days designated to commemorate important issues serve as reminders. I guess that was what I was trying to say......to take the time to stop and reflect. You are absolutely correct that we do not just let those ideals come and go as the calendar does. Perhaps I should have elaborated.

Ed