Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Editorial - Just Keep It Simple

Just Keep It Simple

Sometimes the simplest is the best.

Perhaps if Mayor Howard Taylor had relented to the Picayune on its first request several months ago to review the city's past due electrical, sewer and water accounts it would have been only a small breeze instead of the hurricane-force winds which are now blowing from the public. It would have been simple to comply with the Freedom of Information Act.

A request by name was made by the Picayune, because there were many rumors that city employees were not paying their electrical, water and sewer bills. It didn't take a scientist to find out something was wrong when the request was denied. When the city's attorney did not immediately request an opinion from the Attorney General's office as asked, the question "Why not? flashed through the minds of the editor, news editor and publisher of this newspaper. Something was beginning to stink. Maybe the rumors were right. Ricky Ragsdale, the publisher, eventually asked Rep. Percy Malone to make the request, which was done promptly. The answer was positive. Yes, the public has the right to know who the freeloaders are.

Come to find out there are at least a couple of city employees on the list, one for several accounts that run into a few thousand dollars. The sad part is the customer is still using the city  getting electricity, and the accounts are still past due.

Now the public's enquiring minds are really curious. At least two people have gone to city hall to request the past due list with names. They were turned away until they could make a written request. In fact last week the Picayune was informed that it would have to make a written request three times a month  one for each cycle.

The Arkansas Press Association, with offices in Little Rock, has been through this a lot and has written a handbook for its member newspapers, of which the Picayune is a member. The handbook, and the law firm which handles the Freedom of Information Act for the association, says that the request does not have to be made in writing  just requested. However, it recommends that newspapers make the request in writing for a matter of record in case it is ever denied. This newspaper has now made the request twice and it has not been denied the list. Interestingly, the paragraph that addresses this particular item states: The request should be directed to the "custodian of the records." It need not be in writing, though a written request is advisable, because it provides a record if litigation becomes necessary. This is good advice for John Q. Public, too.

The Picayune did not request the Attorney General's opinion for the newspaper only, but for the public. The press is considered the "watch dog" for the people. The public has a right to know and anyone requesting to know should be obliged. When the request is not complied with is when it looks mighty suspicious to us.

While we have not printed names in the newspaper yet, it does not mean that we won't. We don't print cases from Municipal Court, but some day we could. It is a right that we have and this could happen in the future.

Secret Meetings

Recently, during all this hush hush about who is behind on their utility bills, the Picayune learned that the electrical committee of the Prescott City Council allegedly had met without informing the newspaper. A letter had been mailed the first of the year stating the Picayune should be notified of any formal or informal meeting of the council. This includes committees. Another letter has now been sent, saying such meetings will not be tolerated.

Is the city trying to keep secrets from the public? It seems so. Eyebrows are raised once more when such meetings take place. The Picayune does not cover all these meetings, but it wants to be informed.

Any person can make a request to be notified. It does not have to be the press. Anytime the request is made to any public body, each request has to be handled by the public body every time there is a public meeting. If YOU make the request YOU have to be notified. It's as simple as that. Whether you attend is immaterial. All the public body has to do is comply with the Freedom of Information Act. It's the law.

John Ragsdale