Life in the sunshine
This time, though, I want to make sure all of you know about Sunshine Week. It’s not just journalists who are affected by how open or secretive government behaves; as citizens, everyone has a right to know what your government officials or agencies are up to.
Governor Charlie Crist is a pretty big supporter of open government, but many times journalists don’t get much support on issues of government in the sunshine.
For instance, any emails or phone calls that government officials make, related to official business, is public record, even if that correspondence or contact is made via personal email or phone.
The Bay County Commission office actually prints out every email the commissioners receive and put it in a public file that you can go and ask to look at or make copies.
Citizens can sometimes run into some roadblocks when requesting public records, so it’s important to arm yourself by knowing the law and what the agency must do to accommodate your request.
Visit http://www.sunshineweek.org/sunshineweek/orgs for some great links to Open Government websites.
Happy Sunshine Week!
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About Me
I was born and raised in the hills of northeast Georgia, in a little town called Gainesville near the sparkling waters of Lake Lanier. My parents are Vietnamese immigrants who came to the U.S. more than 20 years ago. The sacrifices they've made for me to have a better life have made them my inspiration. I feel extremely honored that you've chosen to put your trust in me. I'm happy to be here in Panama City, and I look forward to getting to know you.
Recent Entries:
- Now it’s time to say goodbye…
- The Spirit of the Season
- Summer is beckoning!
- Life in the sunshine
- Happy 4706!
- It’s the busiest time of the year!
- Giving Thanks
- Busy, busy
- Running a marathon
- We’re live with the latest…
- Justice is blind
- Life’s little pleasures (and annoyances)
- Life isn’t all glitz and glamour…
- A Georgia girl’s favorite season…
- Red-hot Tropics
Other News13 Blogs:
- The Casual Historian - Larche Hardy
- Derby Girl - Enocha Van Lierop
- The Newby - Jessi Chapin
- Gainesville, Georgia's All American Girl - Tuquyen Mach
