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Show ImwDfl TGi IPaaM The pendulum swings in public affairs and we can see changes coming, many of which are long overdue. During Dur-ing the 1960's governmental bureaus, agencies, department depart-ment heads and elected officials were reluctant to allow individuals to fathom their daily affairs. AN AFTERMATH of the Watergate and related uncovering un-covering of officialdom's doings have made people aware of their need to know. As the pendulum continues to swing, people are becoming not only aware, but also actively ac-tively involved in the planning and decision making processes of government. There are still, however some aspects of government which need more sunshine and fresh air. There are still some of the workings of officials which are reminiscent of smoke filled rooms and rubber stamp after-the-fact approval. WHEN A change of administration takes place with a new governor, there is usually a great movement of top i administrative officials in many state agencies, and so it should be. , L The new governor should have individuals with whom he can work, who will owe loyalty to him and will share his views and goals. We have no quarrel with this concept. con-cept. WE DO QUESTION, however, the lack of public information infor-mation and the opportunity for public comment upon the choices for these top posts. One local radio station carried an editorial on this subject with which we concur. They said, "We believe public hearings on all nominees would make them realize that they are entering public life, and that they can expect their actions and decisions while on the state payroll to be open to public review or criticism at any time." THERE HAVE been unfortunate instances in the past when individuals either elected or appointed to policy making positions, stake out a territory and become defensive and exclusive in the decision making processes. They tend to forget they are working for the -public. Such individuals, if allowed to continue in office, reach the point where they are defending their jobs rather than -r-doing their jobs. J IT IS WELL to stop this process before it becomes set -in cement. The best possible way to keep public office holders aware of who pays their salaries as well as providing the money for their departmental budgets, is to keep the doors of offices open to the public. When the appointments are made by the new administrations, ad-ministrations, we believe there should be public hearings on the proposed appointments. We believe the state senators of both political parties should question these appointees in open hearings. We question both the wisdom wis-dom and the propriety of the current leading party's automatic approval which is too often the case now. AND AFTER the department heads take office, their entire stewardship should be open to the public. There is a dual responsibility here. Implicit in the right to know is the desire to know, and that requires some diligence and effort on the part of private citizens. UNDER THE Public Information Act, the public must be given access to any records except those classified as secret, but citizens must care enough to go ask questions, and they must know what questions to ask. We see the current swing of the pendulum toward .greater openness in conducting the affairs of government as healthy; let the sunshine into those smoke filled rooms. WE HOPE when new appointments are necessary that the current state administration and any subsequent ones will allow the public to have a voice in appointing the heads of state departments. And we hope that the public will then keep an eye on their doings. |