Here’s something I don’t get.
At governmental agencies I cover – it seems public information is a commodity that must be guarded.
Here’s what I’m talking about.
When I started out as a reporter in 1973, we were given backup information at meetings all of the time.
That way, reporters could write more in detail about public projects.
It’s a constant development at meetings where the elected officials are handed papers or folders, even, of information that’s not in their normal meeting packet.
Rarely, does that information come our way, even though we are seated toward the front of the meeting room.
Why is that?
Most of the time we’re talking about tax-funded projects – or they wouldn’t be mentioned at a public government meeting.
I guess there is some government information at these meetings that can’t be shared with the media.
But it’s our job to explain what government does on behalf of the public it serves.
What other reason is there to hand information to elected officials at a meeting if it’s not going to be shared with the people they represent?
I’m not talking about the occasional happenstance, anytime someone is making a presentation, they usually hand out sheets to the elected but not the press.
The frequency someone puts information in our hands in such a setting is like, hardly ever.
And what becomes of those handouts that we don’t get?
Do elected officials glance at them and say, boy I’m glad the press doesn’t know about this?
Or do they forget the information given as soon as they walk from the room?
But then again, our governments are sanctuaries for the secret information world of executive sessions.
Someone could argue that some things are just too sensitive to be spread to the public.
Let me explain something.
When we get excluded, it’s usually because people forget we’re there or, more probably, because the governments never offer to make sure information gets into our hands.
They could tell people who pass out that information to share it with us.
That never happens.
I do ask when it’s appropriate for a copy and people usually comply.
Over the past several years, I’ve watched where press conferences are often not for the press, but a performative event for officials.
I’m only asking to be included when information is passed around that will help me explain what the elected officials are considering as part of their decision-making process to readers and members of the community.
