From the Greenville Daily Reflector (2/20/11): North Carolina adopted its motto, Esse quam videri, in 1893, which calls on the state "To be, rather than to seem." It may soon have an opportunity to fulfill the aspirations those words encompass as it considers a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would assure greater access to public records and meetings.
A government that operates in full view of its people is one that deserves the respect of those it means to govern. While North Carolina’s approach to openness has improved over the years, codifying standards in the state’s most important document would be a powerful declaration that those who favor secrecy over transparency will find no safe harbor in public office.
The election of Republican majorities in both houses of the General Assembly may bring considerable, overdue and favorable changes to how state government conducts itself. N.C. Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R-Lenoir, is leading a charge in the state House for a Constitutional amendment that would open records and meetings to the general public, formally outlining the state’s approach to those two critical areas. N.C. Sen. Debbie Clary, R-Cleveland, heads a similar effort in the other chamber.
Changing the Constitution is not an endeavor to be taken lightly, but this cause rises to that level. While the change would certainly benefit journalists who work on the public’s behalf, citizens should have access to meetings of their elected officials. They should be able to examine public documents. The state should favor openness and make exceptions otherwise, as the amendment proposes.