USE IT OR LOSE IT

Something more needs to be said about the recent test of compliance with Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. One reason why so many police departments, town clerks, school officials and other keepers of public records don’t readily produce requested documents is simply that they aren’t used to getting such requests.

The solution is to get them used to it. That applies not only to reporters, lawyers and lobbyists but to all the other folks who want to see an arrest report or want to know more about how public agencies are doing their work and spending taxpayers’ money. And it means requesting, requesting and requesting – politely at first, of course, but persistently and forcefully. And if you finally get a flat turndown, let the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition know about it. The e-mail address is info@mfoic.org.

All rights guarantees work the same way, from the Magna Carta right up to the present time. The reason the rights were granted was to correct abuses. The way to maintain a right is to exert it. Courageous black people sat where they pleased on buses, went to schools previously reserved for whites, and faced unfriendly clerks to register to vote. Women fought for the right to vote and have been voting ever since. They confronted unfriendly graduate schools and professionals and pushed their way into medical and law practice.

Using the Right to Know Law requires an interest in what is happening in Maine, a sense of responsibility for the quality of life here. It lets citizens participate in keeping an eye on their tax money and the behavior of public officials. But it will only to continue to work if the interest in civic life continues. Use it or you’ll lose it.