The press is the “chief democratic instrument of freedom,” Alexis de Tocqueville once observed. The United States Constitution goes further: […]
Tom Sofield: Taxpayers are paying a “Legacy Tax” for public notices
Whether it’s a school board deciding on a several-hundred million dollar budget with a tax hike or the supervisors or […]
Sharon Sorg: No pitchers call their own strikes — public notices require the same independence
Life is hectic. Keeping track of work, home and family commitments is challenging enough. Now imagine adding another task to […]
David Sanko: Real transparency means meeting people where they are
Every year, Pennsylvania’s townships celebrate “Sunshine Week” to highlight the vital importance of open government. But as we observe this […]
David Sanko: Why public information must be free and accessible
As we celebrate America’s 250th, we should take a moment to reflect on the meaning of freedom today. The many […]
Stephen F. Gambescia: The changing place of the thoughtful op-ed
On March 13, 2005, the Philadelphia Inquirer published on its Commentary page an excerpt from “web pundit” Matthew Yglesias, in […]
Christine Flowers: On the demise of a once-great newspaper
Begrudging open-mindedness has given way to stifling groupthink.
By Christine Flowers