Open Policy
Open Policy
Someone isn’t happy that a letter they gave to the public’s representatives was posted on the WaterClaim site. Telling the public’s representatives they can’t share what they know with the public they represent is a bad idea.
It is my belief that all information about water policy should be open to the public and available for review. Any time the DNR meets with the NRDs, anytime NRD board members report back to the full NRD board, anytime there is a letter from Kansas, anytime the NRD board makes policy, etc. it should be public.
Ask yourself what the consequences would be if all information was public? Some have suggested that it would be difficult to take advantage of other NRDs. Some have suggested that it would be more difficult to take advantage of other States. I will argue that trying to take an unfair advantage of another group of people will cause more problems than it is worth. Kansas has access to the same computer simulation, they have access to the same data, they have agents at each of the Republican River Basin NRD meetings. I will argue that Kansas knows more about what is happening than do most of the people in Nebraska. So who are we kidding when we hide information? I will argue that we are only hurting ourselves.
When information is hidden only a few people make the decisions. It is very difficult to find errors in data or to find unintended consequences in policy. There is a great opportunity for abuse. When only a few know what is happening they have advance knowledge of policy changes that will have big effects on the market and give them and their friends an opportunity denied to the public.
If all information is public, then those that care about what is happening can review the facts, review the data and catch errors and mistakes. They can think of more ideas. An open system harnesses the full power of everyone involved, it eliminates abuse, and it reduces the probability of error.
Part of the reason we are having the water problems we are is because the door has been closed too many times. I encourage every water policy maker to make the commitment to make public every document, every promise, every threat, all data, and to make their decisions in the open. Often a small group can get a lot more done but it is important that the small group report their discussions and findings to the full board in public. It helps everyone – the State, the NRDs, and the public interest.
Comments
KUDOS. It was good to see any information getting out. The time is past when ag needs be organized for the 2007 season.
As a result I heard a fairly lengthy news segment on KRVN today. It pointed out the information along with some differences. This is why dialogue is important and needs to be facilitated.
Posted by: Greg Heiden![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waterclaim.org/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 30, 2007 12:04 PM