Our Views for Sept. 2, 2008

• Published: Sep 1, 2008 - UPDATED: 10:00 p.m.

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When it comes to making information about local government easily available on the Internet, Louisiana’s parishes have a long way to go.

That’s the conclusion of a recent study by Sunshine Review, a project sponsored by the conservative Sam Adams Alliance. Launched earlier this year, Sunshine Review has initiated ratings of local government Web sites in 10 states, and more such studies are on the way. After surveying parish government Web sites in Louisiana’s 64 parishes, the Sunshine Review discovered the following:

• Thirty-three parish Web sites inform residents about who the elected officials of the parish are; 25 parish Web sites do not. Six such Web sites give partial information.
• Only 15 parish Web sites post the parish budget.
• Only four parish Web sites tell residents how to file a public records request through Louisiana’s Public Records Law.
• Thirty parish Web sites inform residents about public meetings. Thirty-three do not, and one gives partial information.
• Only nine parish Web sites include information on building permits and zoning.
• Only two parish Web sites provide information on parish contracts.

“Technology can be used to make government more transparent than ever,” said John Tsarpalis, vice president of the alliance.

We agree, and we hope more parish governments do a better job of providing information on the Internet for the people they’re supposed to serve.
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