Governor Baldacci Proclaims Sunshine Week in Maine

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci has issued a proclamation naming March 11 – 17, 2007, as Sunshine Week in the State of Maine. Sunshine Week is about what the government is doing, and why.

“It is important that we operate in a way that is transparent and open to the public,” Governor Baldacci said. “It keeps the public involved and assured that their government is working as it should – for the people.”

Sunshine Week began as Sunshine Sunday in Florida five years ago as a result of attempts by some members of the Florida Legislature to create new exemptions to the state's public records law. Sunshine Week was first implemented in 2005. This is the third consecutive year that Governor Baldacci has issued a proclamation recognizing Sunshine Week.

The text of the proclamation follows:

WHEREAS, the hallmarks of a great democracy include government transparency and accountability; and

WHEREAS, public oversight is the ultimate safeguard of that democracy; and

WHEREAS, the free flow of information from the government to the people instills trust and confidence in our democracy and ensures that our government is accessible, accountable and open; and

WHEREAS, we must strive to further educate and empower the public on their right to access government documents, information and meetings;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim March 11 – 17, 2007 as

Sunshine Week: Your Right to Know

throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to join in this observance.