Public Notice Week set for January 20-26, 2013
Tennessee
Press Association has set Public Notice Week for January 20-26, 2013. The
following are editorials, cartoons and ads that may be used by member newspapers
to promote the importance of public notice. We encourage you to use the materials,
and to produce your own editorials, during the designated week and throughout
the year. Items from the previous year's kit are also available at the bottom of this page.
2013 Material: Editorials Cartoons Ads Download kit as .zip file
Editorials/Columns: Talking points for developing op-ed pieces talking points
By Kent Flanagan, Tennessee Coalition for Open Government link to text mug shot
The importance of public notice cannot be overstated.
With the adoption of Tennesseeís Sunshine Law in 1974, public notice became the linchpin that made certain that every public governing body would be required to post notice in advance of all meetings so that its business and deliberations would be conducted in full public view.
By Frank Gibson, TPA Public Policy Director link to text mug shot
With efforts expected in the legislature again this year to move public notices from newspapers to government-controlled websites, Tennesseans should be concerned about the implications of that change for them and their right to know.
There are obvious reasons why these notices need to be distributed as broadly as possible and delivered by the most independent and reliable source available. Statewide and sometimes obscure local government websites don’t fit the bill.
By Jack McElroy, Knoxville News Sentinel link to text mug shot
In recent years, the General Assembly has considered amending the way public notices are handled in Tennessee. This is understandable. The communications world is changing, and newspapers, where many public notices historically have been published, are in transition.
But the assumption that government could save money and still adequately notify the public by simply posting notices on government websites is flawed.
By Ted Rayburn, Editorial Page Editor, The Tennessean link to text
With the legislature dramatically reducing the number of bills members can file this year, it will be easier than usual to make a list of the bad bills of recent years that should not be resurrected during the 108th General Assembly.
Making the wearing of motorcycle helmets optional would be on that list. So should bills that propose to change or eliminate public notices.
By Henry Stokes, retired associate publisher of The Commercial Appeal link to text mug shot
The essence of your freedom is that in America, very little government happens by decree. Most every action is open to democratic debate.
Question is: Will that debate occur before or after a decision is made?
On big issues – like, who will be mayor or governor – you have the right as a citizen to vote before an election or issue is decided.
On many other issues, you can’t influence a decision unless you find out about it before hand.
That’s where public notices protect your rights.
By Bill Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer Link to text mug shot
Democracy is not for everybody. We’ve learned that in the Middle East, where societies with ancient tribal roots are shown to be unprepared for a government system in which the majority rules by public vote.
Government of the people, by the people and for the people can work only if the people are informed. An electorate that does not know or understand what government is all about is an invitation to despotism.
By Jim Zachary, Tennessee Transparency Project link to text mug shot
Any battle to remove required government public notices from newspapers is an assault on government transparency.
Compromising government transparency is a full-out assault on the citizens of Tennessee.
Government belongs to the governed, not the governing.
Link for Charlie Daniel cartoon for 2013
Special thanks to Charlie Daniel, Knoxville News Sentinel, for providing a cartoon again this year!
Links to Clay Bennett cartoon color BW
Special thanks to Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press, for providing a cartoon again this year!
Special thanks to Karen Geary, The Paris Post-Intelligencer for desiging these ads!
Download color or B/W Download color or B/W Download color or B/W
Download color or B/W Download color or B/W
Cartoons 2012:
2012
Remember the Good Ol' Days... Color Public Notice is hereby given... Color Black&White
Cartoon courtesy of Charlie Daniel, News Sentinel, Knoxville Cartoon courtesy of Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press
From the 2011 Kit Color
Black/White From the 2011 Kit Notice the Difference cartoons Color Black/White
Cartoons are courtesy of Charlie Daniel, News Sentinel, Knoxville
From the 2011 Kit Link to Public Notice by Government Color
Black/White
Cartoon is courtesy of Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Ads:
link to ads This series of Public Notice Ads reinforces the importance of printed notice
The following public notice ads were adapted by Chattanooga Times Free Press from concept ads created by Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association, and are available for all TPA members to use. All ads are half page ads.
Link to Get Involved ad series Link to Bad Idea ad Link to Fox Hen House ad Link to America Noticed! ads
