Editorial: Legislators’ chance for Virginia transparency

THE VIRGINIA General Assembly has in this session a tremendous opportunity to dramatically improve the commonwealth’s approach to transparency in government.

Numerous bills now pending before the legislature would make documents more accessible, strengthen the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and bolster accountability for public officials. They would afford residents a clearer view of how government works, which is essential in a democratic republic.

Crucial to this effort will be a freshman class of legislators for whom openness is a priority.

Several Democratic challengers who prevailed in November’s House of Delegates elections campaigned on promises to improve Virginia’s record on transparency, including Danica Roem from Prince William County, Chris Hurst from Blacksburg and Kelly Fowler from Virginia Beach. Read more…