Two years ago, more than 100 volunteers fanned out across the state to test the effectiveness of Maine’s Freedom of Access law.

The results were mixed, at best.

Many shortcomings were discovered. But good did follow the bad. A group of dedicated individuals, acting in the public interest, came together and developed legislation to address some of the worst problems.

Last week, Gov. Baldacci signed the bill into law, improving public access to information for all of us.

The 2002 public records audit found plenty of problems.

Access to information that should have been available was denied, volunteers were forced to produce identification and to explain why they wanted the information – violations all of state law.

Want a copy of a one-page police incident report for your insurance company: $6. Want to see how much town money the mayor spends on entertainment: Too bad.

In some locations, important public documents were not available and in others requests were simply ignored. There were also great disparities in the cost to reproduce paperwork. Prices ranged from 15 cents a page to as much as $6, prohibitively expensive for most people seeking information about how their government operates.

The new law addresses many of these issues. It sets some general limitations on the time allowed to fulfill a request for information and on the price that can be charged per page. Important improvements, to be sure.

Unfortunately, the legislation does not go far enough in penalizing government workers who violate the law and does not address legal fees for people who must sue to get information that should be public.

All in all, though, it is a good step toward improving access to public information and the inner workings of government.

Political parties

It’s convention season in Maine.

Republicans are gathering this weekend in Augusta, while Democrats will meet next weekend in Portland.

Important work will be done at both conventions, and we should all pay attention to what happens and what is said.

For the two political parties, the state conventions are opportunities to galvanize political strategies for an important election year; develop important themes, messages and policy positions; and fire up the true believers for the hard work that awaits.

And, the parties party.

For the four men who hope to represent Maine in the House of Representatives, the conventions are important to gather support, raise money and outline the platforms they hope will carry them into office.

In the 1st District, Democratic incumbent Tom Allen is being challenged by Republican Charles Summers. In the 2nd District, Democratic incumbent Michael Michaud faces Republican Brian Hamel.

The challengers, who are working to build name recognition, get a priceless opportunity to introduce themselves to members of their party and seek volunteers for their campaigns.

And the incumbents, better known for sure, can talk to a large gathering of supporters about what they have accomplished and what they hope to accomplish.

Delegates also will be chosen to represent Maine at the national party conventions that will be held this summer in Boston and New York.

Political parties are the cornerstone of American-style democracy. State conventions are where they get organized. That’s important stuff.

[email protected]