Government transparency a boon

If you study the stately Salt Lake City-County Building, you will observe it has numerous windows and doors. The doors provide access. The windows provide illumination and allow those inside to see the community beyond Washington Square. The windows also allow members of the public to peer inside.

Indeed, the physical characteristics of the nearly 115-year-old treasure are a fitting metaphor to the very foundations of government — access, accountability and participation.

Salt Lake City, through a new transparency initiative, aims to further enhance the public's understanding and participation in city government. It also intends to improve the operation of city government. The government, academic and private sector architects of this smart plan deserve thanks and congratulations.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, in unveiling a 30-point plan and a new interactive Web site this past week, said the intent of the initiative is to make city government more "open, inclusive, responsive and accountable for its actions."

In many respects, the initiative peels back the curtains of the government machine and encourages city residents to participate more fully in their community. For instance, the transparency Web site, transparencyslcgov.com, includes a work plan, a resource list, blog, forums and a "wiki" page to encourage public participation. The initiative also envisions enhanced use of SLCTV Channel 17, which provides government information to citizens and visitors of Salt Lake City.

While most state, county and city governments in Utah have Web sites that connect with their respective constituencies and enable residents to conduct many services online, the Greater Transparency for a Collaborative Government Initiative goes a step beyond by engaging constituents in an active partnership.

It is hoped that other governmental entities will see the value in fostering relationships with their constituents by providing them needed information — such as online restaurant inspection reports, for one — and forums that enable residents to participate in discussions and debates that help form policies and initiatives.

We applaud the launch of the transparency initiative and look forward to its full implementation.