Hillsboro Council Stops Publishing Legal Notices in Local Newspaper
The City Council of Hillsboro, Kansas, recently made a decision to no longer publish legal notices in the local newspaper, The Hillsboro Free Press. Instead, they will post this information on the city’s website. While this may not seem like a big deal, it raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
The decision is supported by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who stated that cities with fewer than 15,000 residents are exempt from statutes requiring them to publish notices in the newspaper. However, this move potentially hinders the public’s right to know about the actions of their officials.
Legal documents, such as contracts and minutes, are crucial to keeping the government accountable to the people. Journalists play a vital role in ensuring that elected and appointed officials do not hide information from the public. By publishing legal notices independently from the government, a valuable layer of transparency is maintained. It prevents the government from altering records once they are released.
Furthermore, the example of the birther controversy surrounding former President Barack Obama demonstrates the power and necessity of independent publishing. Third-party publication provides verification and proof. It safeguards against fraudulent claims and allows the public to have confidence in the information presented.
While it is acknowledged that the concept of publishing has evolved significantly with the rise of the internet, it is still important to require printed legal notices. Websites and online platforms offer convenience and instant updates, but they do not provide the same level of verification and credibility as traditional print media.
Newspapers continue to matter, as they offer accountability, transparency, and wide reach. According to Emily Bradbury, the executive director of the Kansas Press Association, 82% of Kansas adults read a Kansas newspaper, either in print or digitally, each week. The reach of a newspaper website and print product is significantly greater than that of a city website.
The impact of this decision can be mitigated by updating statutes to clarify the meaning of publishing in the digital age. Public notices should be featured in an independent and verifiable forum outside of the government’s control. It is crucial for Kansans, regardless of the size of their towns, to demand independent verification from their elected officials and ensure that their work is accessible to the public.
In conclusion, the decision by the Hillsboro City Council to cease publishing legal notices in the local newspaper raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Independent publishing through newspapers offers credibility and verification, ensuring that the public has access to accurate information about the actions of their officials. Updates to statutes are necessary to adapt to the digital age while still prioritizing independent and trusted sources for legal notices.
