What to Do?

Many of you have spoken or written to me, complaining that our local government operates in the dark; that discussion of public matters are made in private, and that our town councils and school boards appear already to have decided most matters even before they come up for public discussions.

You have also told me that our town council appears to be in executive session at least as often as they are willing to meet in public; and I have observed that, when they do exit a closed session to meet in public, it seems as if every issue has already been decided.

Some of you have complained that our town council has abused the provision for calling emergency sessions of the council.

You feel as if you don’t truly have a voice in public affairs, and more than a few of you have asked me what can be done?

As compared to many other states, Maine’s freedom of information laws are weak, leaving severe limitations as to what can be done to encourage public government.

Maine’s freedom of information laws are not entirely toothless,  however, and I encourage you to read through the information that I have provided here, including the additional resources that are linked to, and be prepared to exercise the rights that you do have under the law.

If you believe that a violation of the law exists, don’t be afraid to file a complaint. Consider it to be a public obligation rather than an extreme measure.

An even stronger weapon that can be wielded is your vote.

• If you believe that an elected official is abusing the weaknesses of Maine’s freedom of information laws, don’t vote to re-elect that person.
• When a closed session is called, find out who made the request that the session be closed, and who voted in favor of excluding the public, and don’t vote to re-elect those persons.
• If you feel as if an elected official is not open to public discussion of public matters, don’t vote to re-elect that person.

Please remember that there are legitimate reasons for a town council or school board to meet in closed session from time to time. Let’s not look for black helicopters everytime an executive session is called, or when a couple of councilmen meet in a restaurant.

This is a small town, and we don’t have that many restaurants.