Mike Bouchard For Governor

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2010

Mike Bouchard says national Sunshine Week
highlights need for greater state transparency

Oakland County – Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor, said the annual observance of national Sunshine Week underscores the need for greater transparency across all levels of Michigan government.

Sunshine Week runs Sunday, March 14 through Saturday, March 20. It is spearheaded by the American Society of News Editors and was started in 2005 as a way to generate dialogue about the public’s right to know.

“Transparency must be more than just a buzz word,” Bouchard said. “It should be a bridge that connects the people to their government. Building that bridge demands a commitment to openness and accountability by those in charge. Unfortunately, not every elected official shares that commitment. Secrecy only serves those in power. The best way to ensure a healthy democracy is to encourage citizen involvement, and we can do that by knocking down barriers that impede their access to government.”

Bouchard continues to be a vocal supporter of increased government transparency, which is a prominent component of his strategy to chart a new course for Michigan. Under Bouchard’s plan:

• State agencies would post online every check written for easier taxpayer review, as well as information on employee salaries and benefits, and unfunded liabilities.
• Fee information for licenses and services would be more prominently featured on the state government Web site.
• As governor, Bouchard would commit to holding twice-a-year round table sessions with the Capitol Press Corps in addition to other news conferences and announcements. He also would instruct his cabinet members to conduct at least one round table a year with the press corps.

Bouchard commended Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land for her leadership on this issue. The Secretary of State’s Office has been putting quarterly spending reports online for two years. They include comprehensive information such as salaries by position, employee travel, contracts and office leases. Such information is typically available to taxpayers only through the Freedom of Information Act.

Land recently posted the fiscal year 2009 report, a 72-page document containing the most detailed spending of any state department. While the Granholm administration has cited cost as a reason not to require all agencies to post detailed spending online, Land’s office produces a meaningful report for less than $3,000 a year. Her office has even put out a handy guide to help other departments do the same.

Bouchard has firsthand experience in ensuring spending transparency as well. Oakland County’s Web site contains informative budget breakdowns of its agencies, including Bouchard’s sheriff’s department.

“Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to put critical information at the public’s fingertips,” Bouchard said. “There’s no excuse for keeping the people’s business under wraps. I encourage all public officials throughout the state to renew their commitment to government transparency during national Sunshine Week.”

Visit www.BouchardforGovernor.com for more information about Bouchard’s strategies for Michigan.

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Paid for by Mike Bouchard for Governor
P.O. Box 1433
Royal Oak, MI 48068