The Roanoke Times reported that Christiansburg administration and town council were not in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in an article published this past Thursday.
This blog allows its writers to share information and opinion. It also allows its readers to comment. The "Knowledge Is Power" post received the most responses to date and one of them was of particular interest. To share it with all readers, here it is again:
From Legislative Historian:
40 years should give town plenty of time to get it right!
"The Freedom of Information Act was signed into law by LBJ on July 4th, 1966. While President Johnson was ambivalent about the law, he did sign it on the one day that celebrates freedom and democracy at its best. Despite misgivings, LBJ said that he was signing FOIA into law "with a deep sense of pride that the United States is an open society in which the people’s right to know is cherished and guarded.
"As an odd aside, one of FOIA's staunchest supporters was then Congressman Donald Rumsfeld, and one of the staunchest detractors was then White House aide Bill Moyers. It should also be noted that FOIA was passed by the House of Representatives 307-0.
"Given that FOIA is now 42 years old, I would think that Christiansburg has had ample time to 'figure out the fine print.' It would be best for the citizens and for the fabric of this fine community if the Town Council believed that 'the people's right to know is [and should be] both cherished and guarded' by those they elect or appoint." ###
Christiansburg residents deserve open government, just as all citizens of our country are entitled to it. Each town representative should proactively strive to meet and understand FOIA requirements. Maybe even set a goal for exceeding them, and having the town held as a standard for others to emulate.
Beyond that, FOIA is the law. Christiansburg leaders should be held accountable and take immediate steps to fully comply with a law that has existed for over forty years.