When
taking the oath of office, elected officials assume a solemn
duty as stewards of public resources. The public must trust
that its government will spend taxpayer dollars in a way that
is responsible, efficient and, above all, open to the light
of day. Some unfortunate events in recent years have eroded
this public trust.
The
Harbour League is calling upon anyone elected to public office
to accept and sign the
Oath of Public Official Transparency for Open, Transparent
and Accountable Government (attached).
The
Oath of Public Official Transparency for Open, Transparent
and Accountable Government commits each elected official
to strive for the most transparent government in our cities,
counties and state’s history - a lofty, far reaching
goal. This oath signals that whether it is earmarks, directives,
or ongoing management of taxpayer expenditures, the goal of
transparency will be evident throughout all policy-making
aspects of their administration.
This
oath expresses their commitment to make our state and local
governments immensely more transparent and accountable as
to the expenditure of taxpayer resources. For the first time
in our states history, taxpayers will soon - if this oath
is implemented fully and comprehensively - be able to easily
learn about and more knowledgeably participate in the state
and local dialogue on the expenditure of their monies and
the administration of their government.
A
number of states are already heeding the call for increased
transparency. Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota and Hawaii
this year passed legislation mandating the creation of websites
detailing government expenditures in a clear and searchable
format. Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has created such a website
per executive order and the feedback from taxpayers is tremendous.
Maryland cannot afford to sit at the sidelines of this movement.
Our
state and local governments are at a crossroads. The question
is no longer “right track - wrong track.” It is
the responsibility of each official’s office to do it’s
part in getting our state “Back on Track,” and
a strong commitment to transparency will do much to restore
confidence in our state and local leadership and the ongoing
work of his or her - indeed, OUR - government.
Please
ask your state AND local legislator to sign the attached oath
and return to The Harbour League. We look forward to working
with you to make this a reality and to restore the public’s
faith in its government. If you have any questions, comments
or would like your organization to cosign this letter, please
feel free to contact me directly at 410-753-4560.
Sincerely,
Eli M. Gold
Chairman
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