New momentum for government transparency

With all the “bad news” permeating the airwaves and newsprint these days — news of record unemployment, huge budget deficits and the ongoing drama over stimulus money jump to mind — it’s easy to overlook some of the good news occurring in our state.
So I thought I’d take this opportunity to point out one very positive development — one which will ultimately result in greater government efficiency and accountability.
Across the state, there’s a movement afoot to put government spending details on the Internet, which would empower taxpayers with click-of-a-mouse access to details about how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent. Several local governments have begun putting monthly check registers on the Internet, and in doing so are helping to usher in a new era of transparency in South Carolina.
I’ve long believed greater transparency is an essential part of improving the quality of government. When spending is done in the open, public officials are usually more accountable. They tend to make better decisions, knowing those decisions will face public scrutiny. That’s why, several months ago, my office began a campaign to encourage local governments – cities, counties and school districts — to voluntarily post spending details on the Internet. More than a year ago we had unveiled South Carolina’s spending transparency Web site for state agencies, and local government transparency seemed like a logical next step. To make it as easy and inexpensive as possible, my office has offered to host the information on our own Web site if necessary.
In these tough economic times, when every dollar is precious, government at all levels has an obligation to carefully account for how those dollars are spent.
Fortunately, the year 2009 has seen spending transparency gain important momentum. In February of this year, the town of Irmo became the first local government to begin posting its monthly check registers on the Internet. Irmo was followed by Anderson County, the city of Cayce and the town of Turbeville, which have done the same. Importantly, these online check registers are easy to find, and you don’t have to be an accountant to understand the information.
In April, I was proud to join officials from the city of Columbia to announce the city’s intent to join the spending transparency initiative, and in mid-May my office was excited to learn that Charleston and Dorchester counties and the town of South Congaree are in the process of putting their spending details on the Web as well.
In putting such information at people’s fingertips, these local officials are sending an important message: It’s not their money they’re spending. It’s the people’s money, and people deserve easy access to how it’s spent. Local officials who have taken this significant step toward a more open government are also helping to gain the confidence of those they serve, which is important at a time when too many people distrust government.
While my office’s efforts have been focused on persuading local governments to voluntarily put spending information on the Web, this year has also seen legislation to that effect. Beginning next year, school districts will put expenditures online, and similar measures covering all other local governments and colleges and universities are being considered. Thanks to the hard work of Sen. Mike Rose, the S.C. Policy Council and others, I truly believe we’re embarking on a new era of open, accountable government in South Carolina.
In meeting with local governments from the coast to the Upstate, I’ve been encouraged by the response I have received. Most seemed to understand it’s their responsibility to provide such information, and to make it as easily as possible to access. Still, it’s clear to me that many local governments simply will not voluntarily do so, at least not without pressure from their citizens. That’s why it’s important that citizens make their voices heard.
Contact your local elected officials. Let them know you believe transparency is the best policy. Good government can only flourish in full view of the public.
The example set by Irmo, Cayce, Turbeville and Anderson County – as well as those preparing to report their spending online — should be followed by every local unit of government in the state.