Right-to-Know: July 2009 Archives
Editor, The Citizen:
The Right to Know law is as vast as it is sometimes confusing. The NH Bar Assoc. states the "purpose of New Hampshire's Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A) is to make state and local government accountable to the people by requiring that meetings and records be open to the public as much as possible." Article 8 of the New Hampshire Constitution is the impetus for this oft misunderstood and sometimes pesky law. It states that "All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and AT ALL TIMES accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public's right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted".
With this fairly simple but comprehensive language those who would be the "people" and those who would be their "substitutes and agents," from time to time, find themselves at opposite ends of the table. What constitutes a public meeting … what notes or records need to be kept and made available … what is fair notification of meetings ... and what about emails, letters, and telephone conference calls?
All these topics will be the subject for a Right to Know Seminar coming your way on August 10th (7 PM) at the Moultonborough Public Library. Sponsored by the Moultonborough Citizens Alliance, both the public and members of the various boards of area towns are invited. Ed Naile of the Coalition of NH Taxpayers, Tom Tardif, former mayor of Laconia, and Doug Lambert of GraniteGrok.com, all knowledgeable RTK experts, will be there to explain the "ins" and "outs" of this ubiquitous statute and field a Q & A session.
Bravo and kudos to the MCA for reaching out to both the public and their "substitutes and agents" to for a great opportunity to end up on the same page. The good folks who serve on the boards and the volunteers for committees who have to deal with this law on a daily basis should embrace this effort as a learning event to make their job a bit easier. What a great opportunity for all sides to learn, discuss and educate … all at the same time. I would encourage all to attend.
Now I know that at least some of you will consult the Web to see what Article 8 of the NH Constitution says and check this humble scribe's accuracy. While you are there, jump down a couple articles and take a look at my personal favorite… Article 10. You won't find that in any other state constitution!!
Rick Heath
Moultonborough
Now, we are not out to point fingers here, but only to highlight that there is a general lack of understanding of New Hampshire statutes. The recent “issues” with the formation of the Heritage Commission and the Capital Improvement Program Committee are two examples. The exclusion of the school district from the proposed “ordinance” for the CIPC is another.
The right to know laws are another area where we believe more education is essential. That is why the MCA hosting a Right to Know Seminar as a useful and helpful event for all citizens, whether in the private sector or in public office.
‘I urge every citizen, every school child, and every student of government to study the Right to Know Law’ Kelly Ayotte NH Attorney General.
Please come and find out for yourself! Mark your calendars: Monday August 10, 2009 at 7pm at the Moultonboro Library. There will be guest speakers: Ed Naile, from the Coalition of NH Taxpayers; Doug Lambert of Gilfordgrok; and Tom Tardif, former Mayor of Laconia.
This is not a political event, nor is it a partisan event. This is an educational opportunity open to everyone.
All are welcome!
The Right to Know. The right to know what? Why should I care about this? How does this affect me? Why is anyone bothering me with this? Isn’t this one of those political things that makes no sense to anyone that is not a lawyer or a politician? Who cares? They’re gonna do what they want anyway. So, why should I even bother? It’s dry garbage. It makes no difference to me. No one cares what I think. Besides, I don’t feel like being the one to put my name out there as someone who disagrees with the powers that be, because I work for a business that does work for the town. What would happen if I spoke out against something that they are doing? Would I lose my job? Or be blackballed? Or would my boss try to get rid of me?
Does any of this sound familiar? Are you or someone you know thinking like this? You are not alone. So many people feel this way. They do not want their names out in the public, be in it newspapers, letters to the editor or at public meeting, for everyone else to see.
That’s just not fair, or acceptable to the MCA. We want everyone to voice their opinions and their objections or support to anything that is happening in our town. Speak out to us. We will voice your concerns.
The Right to Know Law is important for all citizens of NH to understand. Our Attorney General has encouraged every citizen of this state to read and understand the Right to Know Law. It is so important, that any failure to adhere to the law, will take precedence over anything else in Superior Court.
Please come to A Right to Know Seminar on Monday August 10th, 7pm at the Moultonboro Library. There will be guest speakers that are experienced with the Right to Know Laws. Ed Naile from the Coalition of NH Taxpayers; Doug Lambert from Gilfordgrok; and Tom Tardif, former Mayor of Laconia will be speaking. There will be a question and answer period to follow. We encourage everyone to attend, whether or not one is involved in politics or not. This is information for everyone, whether Democrat, Republican or anything else. We welcome everyone.
Any questions? Please email us at: www.moultonborocitizensalliance.org
