Every year in mid-December, the Comet sends a written request to all governing bodies for notification of their meetings for the upcoming year. This is done because it is important for those who control taxpayer money only do so in the public eye. That philosophy is supported by a law in Indiana, namely IC 5-14-1.5 or Indiana’s Open Door Law.

In part, this year’s letter reads… “The Carroll County Comet requests that your governing body give the newspaper written notice of the date, time and place of any of its meetings, executive sessions, or any rescheduled or reconvened meetings, for calendar year 2010.”

“This request also applies to all of the governing body’s committees, and any other entities subject to the public notice provisions of the Open Door Law.

The request was sent to governmental bodies such as the county commissioners and council, county drainage board, county health board, school corporations, county sheriffs merit board, APC, county election board, airport boards, conservancy districts, parks boards, township trustees, library boards and town and city governments. When all of the committees appointed by the boards and groups are added to this list, the number of meeting notices received should be daunting for the Comet’s Government Meetings list.

So to all of you governing bodies that have not done so, please get your information to the Comet for the good of the people you represent.

On behalf of Carroll County taxpayers, we commend and thank those who have already responded to the request. It is public servants like you who deserve the gratitude of the community. To the rest of you, let this editorial serve as…a friendly reminder!