SIX: Open government is vital

Open government is the foundation of our democracy. Our government is most efficient when the public can inspect public records and gain access to meetings where public business is conducted.

This year, I partnered with the Kansas Sunshine Coalition to host four regional training opportunities on the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) and Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). This week, my office — along with participants from the Kansas League of Municipalities, Kansas Association of Counties, Kansas Press Association, and more — will visit Dodge City, Olathe, Topeka, and Wichita to educate government employees, media and the public about these important laws.

KORA and KOMA allow us to hold our elected officials accountable. We can review their decisions, examine documents, inspect government spending and learn more about how our government functions.

Each training will consist of an introduction to each of the acts, as well as a panel discussion focusing on the real-world successes and challenges of KORA and KOMA. The panel is diverse and represents many perspectives, including the media, city and county officials and law enforcement.

The more we understand these laws and our rights as citizens, the more likely we will become active participants in our state’s government. It is the job of my office to enforce these laws, as well as educate officials and the public and make our government more accessible.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office stands ready to enforce your rights as a resident of Kansas to participate in your own governance. To learn more about Kansas open government laws, go to www.ksag.org.

Steve Six is Kansas attorney general.