Sunshine week: Your right to know

Americans' freedom depends largely on knowing what their government is doing. While journalists are often at the fore in seeking access to government information, all Americans have a stake in keeping government open. To further that ideal, media and other groups nationwide are sponsoring, beginning today, "Sunshine Week: Your Right to Know."

The Deseret Morning News is running stories through Thursday highlighting different issues to consider during Sunshine Week.

• Today: How much are taxpayers paying their city officials — and what does it take to get that information?

• Monday: Does GRAMA make the grade? A new University of Florida study ranks Utah's GRAMA law third in the nation for openness, giving it a B-. This means the language of the law, not practice. Local freedom-of-information experts weigh in on the law, as does the father of GRAMA, former House Speaker Marty Stephens.

• Tuesday: When it comes to the importance of open government, few branches carry as much life-changing impact as the courts. Local media, including the Deseret Morning News, recently fought attempts to have the competency hearings of Brian David Mitchell closed to the public. Experts say a public's right to observe legal proceedings is a cornerstone of a free society. Media recently negotiated with state court officials regarding the openness of electronic court records.

• Wednesday: A recent sexual-harassment investigation of a Salt Lake County official led to a firestorm of controversy as the district attorney's office maneuvered through GRAMA to keep key reports away from the public eye, including the media.

• Thursday: Legal action by the Deseret Morning News and The Salt Lake Tribune against the Utah Association of Counties characterizes the debate of just how open quasi-governmental entities must be.