Letters: FOIA turns 47
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Today marks 47 years since the Freedom of Information Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
FOIA established the public’s right to access government records and to know what our government is doing, both its successes and failures. It allows all of us to hold government accountable.
Gov. Jerry Brown recently backed down after attempting to water down the state’s public access law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, by making it optional for government agencies to provide requested information. Brown’s capitulation was a victory for open government and a reminder to us that politicians will respond if the people get involved and aroused.
The key to a healthy, open and trusted government is public participation. I hope citizens celebrate this anniversary by exercising their right to know by attending a government meeting, contacting an elected official or visiting a government website.
Sandra Trutt
Los Angeles
The writer is president of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles.
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