“And that’s why open records and open government laws are so important. Taxpayers have an absolute right to know what their government is up to. It is one of the founding principles of this nation. Still, efforts by government officials to keep citizens in the dark — more often than not, for political reasons — have thwarted attempts to make government more transparent.” 

This is the editorial quote from The Daily Record on March 20, 2009 pointing out the importance of openess in government.  I was struck at the comparison with the controversy surrounding the resignation of the District Attorney’s first assistant.  Neither he nor the District Attorney are talking, but it is apparent that he was forced out at the insistence of the Police Chief’s Association. “Why?” is the question.  The DA needs to give the community answers.  Rumors are rampant.  Until this is made clear, the reputation of law enforcement throughout the County will unfortunately suffer.