I have always believed transparency produces trust; trust produces cooperation, and cooperation brings about positive results.

There are many officials I deal with today who believe if you keep the public in the dark it is somehow justified. Government officials are especially guilty of it. They dodge your calls, and hide documents, and the worst part of it is that I can’t understand why they feel it benefits anyone. Look for instance at the current U.S. Congress choosing not to put the health bill online for the public to read. These people have forgotten who pays all of those trillions of dollars they put us in debt to cover.

I said all of that to say this. There are people I really appreciate, who are open and informative, and who always return calls and never hedge me.

At the top of the list are Dr. Aaron Adams and Bobbi Bratchett. At a time when we are facing a health crises the public needs good, honest, up-to-date information — these people have been in constant contact. With rumors swirling around schools and businesses as to the number of confirmed H1N1 cases, it is imperative that those in authority maintain that open line of communication, and the people involved in working with the pandemic locally are doing just that. I appreciate the fact that I can call either of these people and get an immediate response.

In fairness, there are other people I have not mentioned who are extremely cooperative and open. I don’t know how many times I have had to call Scioto County Commissioner Tom Reiser, and he has always given me good information. Scioto County Sheriff Marty Donini is another one who will answer all questions openly and honestly. Add to that list Portsmouth Mayor Jim Kalb, Scioto County Prosecutor Mark Kuhn, Lt. Mike Crispen, and our Governor, Ted Strickland, and you have the answer as to why I have a much easier job every day.

I will reserve the names of the ones who hide behind their office doors. It serves no purpose to rake them over the coals in a newspaper column.

But, I believe we are living in a time unlike any other time in history, and that it is more important now than ever that we keep the public informed.

That is why I appreciate the openness of officials who cooperate with the news media to make sure you get the information you need.

Truth should always trump any motive or agenda. When it doesn’t, freedom suffers.

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.