P.C. Wu: Keep Florida Government In The Sunshine

April 24, 2014

by P.C. Wu

When it comes to having an open-and-transparent government that is accountable to the people, Florida truly leads the nation. Since the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law was enacted in 1967, Florida has served as a model for other states.

In a world where technological advancements have introduced even more material into the public record, we continue to be on the cutting edge of reforms.

As president of the Florida League of Cities — an organization that serves as a united voice for Florida’s municipal governments — I understand that all levels of government are accountable to the people. That’s why I was pleased to learn that improving government accountability and efficiency was part of the 2014 joint legislative agenda established by Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.

They understand that now is the time to pass legislation ensuring that government in the sunshine continues to be at the forefront of people’s minds, now and in the future.

During the 60-day legislative session, scheduled to end May 2, the Florida League of Cities has been actively engaged with Florida legislators, legislative staff, and other open-record experts and advocates — including the First Amendment Foundation, Tallahassee — to further improve Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Florida’s municipalities are committed to serving their citizens with dedication and transparency.

Right now, it can be difficult for the average citizen to navigate through the complexities of the Public Records Law, and there are even some who use minor technicalities to exploit loopholes in the law by filing costly lawsuits before a public entity has an opportunity to respond to the request or provide the requested records.

These shortsighted actions hinder local governments’ ability to provide important services and they put an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

I believe that now is the time to act and remedy these oversights so that governments can get back to their primary role of serving the people. Proposed language to amend SB 1648 and HB 1151, supported by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation, does just that.

As a member of the Pensacola City Council for almost a decade, I have seen firsthand the added layer of transparency and accountability that the Public Records Law provides, and I am wholeheartedly in support of keeping government in the hands — and before the eyes — of the people.

Right now, it can be difficult for the average citizen to navigate through the complexities of the Public Records Law, and there are even some who use minor technicalities to exploit loopholes in the law by filing costly lawsuits before a public entity has an opportunity to respond to the request or provide the requested records.

These shortsighted actions hinder local governments’ ability to provide important services and they put an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

I believe that now is the time to act and remedy these oversights so that governments can get back to their primary role of serving the people. Proposed language to amend SB 1648 and HB 1151, supported by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation, does just that.

As a member of the Pensacola City Council for almost a decade, I have seen firsthand the added layer of transparency and accountability that the Public Records Law provides, and I am wholeheartedly in support of keeping government in the hands — and before the eyes — of the people.

The language proposed by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation would require training of all employees who deal with public-record requests, would make it easier to request public records, would limit fees that agencies can charge for public records, and would put an end to spurious and abusive lawsuits.

I am confident our lawmakers will enact legislation that simplifies these issues and creates an atmosphere of trust among Floridians. We’ve had a proven track record in this area, and I look forward to seeing it continue and develop.

As this year’s legislative session enters its final weeks, I want to reiterate the importance of an open-and-transparent government in our state and urge lawmakers to address these issues.

by P.C. Wu, member of the Pensacola City Council and president of the Florida League of Cities

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News