The Douglas County Board was among the first to take up a challenge to commit to open government.
While Douglas County Board Chairman presented the resolution, supervisors amended it to reflect then entire board's commitment to the principles James Madison, the father of our federal Constitution put forth. Madison wrote that "consent of the governed" requires that people be able to "arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
The resolution adopted by the board recognizes that every citizen has an inherent right to access government meetings and public records, and it is vital to maintaining the people's trust in their government.
Finn said he woke up Monday and read the Duluth News Tribune. When he read the challenge on the editorial page for local leaders to take the pledge of openness, he said "I thought we could do this."
Finn amended the agenda Monday to consider the additional resolution in tribute of Sunshine Week, which commemorates the anniversary of Madison's birth.
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Sunshine Week is a national initiative to open a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.
The Duluth School Board also adopted pledge this week.
"I didn't think it would hurt to move fast on this one," Finn said.
