Transparency counts...now more than ever.

It's been brought to our attention that the City of Romulus has language on the November 2nd ballot to allow for publication of notices in two electronic sites OR a newspaper of record. We urge you to vote "no" on this proposal and preserve transparency and accountability in your local government.

A similar version of this language has been introduced in each legislative session in Michigan for the past 12 years and has failed. Why? Because then, as now, it is a bad idea.

From the very start, Michigan law has required that notices of governmental actions be provided to citizens by publication in newspapers, an independent source of information about the actions of government. Newspapers also provide a permanent record of the actions of government.

It defies logic that government can do this better and cheaper than newspapers, who have provided this valuable check and balance for more than 150 years. The last 18 months have proven that local governments have enough on their plates while seriously lacking the technology to do something like this.

Many governmental entities struggled to hold open meetings during the early days of the pandemic and didn't have the capability to do them virtually. At least one county in Michigan was unable to put election results online last week. Technologically it seems now is not the time to trust government to provide this information to the taxpayers. Many Clerks have stated that they don't have the ability, time or staff to do this important function.

A quick glance at some local government websites doesn't give one comfort that things will be done well under this new scheme. A couple of shining examples: one township website lists among its elected officials a Congressman who has been deceased for several years. Another has not updated meeting agendas since 2014.

We have long advocated that these notices belong in newspapers and protect due process in Michigan. We do however acknowledge that they also need to be distributed digitally and are working hard with our members to make sure that they are accessible on a computer, mobile device AND in print. This increases transparency and protects your right to know what government officials are doing with your taxpayer dollars.

Even if the lack of security is not considered, the lack of connectivity should be. Michigan ranks 30th in the nation for broadband connectivity. Posting these notices that impact the wallets and property of taxpayers online only disenfranchises many citizens.

Public notices belong in a public place, like a local newspaper, not on a government website, which can also disenfranchise certain users like low income individuals who do not have access to the Internet, or the elderly who are not comfortable using the Internet. Having to look for notices on each individual government site would be laborious at best and a good way to conceal information at worst.

Again, if you want to be able to find out what's happening with your taxes, property and other projects in your community, vote "no" on the proposal.