I write in response to the Jan. 27 Sun Journal article, “Oxford County struggling with high number of public record requests.”

Transparency in government is a long-honored principal. Generally, people find such secrecy repugnant. There is a basic rule of the public’s right to petition for redress of grievances to public officials, i.e., for them to be held accountable. It is more than an implied commitment to the public.

Law is intended to reflect the values and norms of society, but secrecy alienates people. The legitimacy of the law is based on the fact that people know it and believe in it. Openness by our trusted officials is necessary for an informed electorate to even choose the Oxford County district attorney, Neil McLean. We need to know what our officeholders are doing.

As a member of the public I am obligated to adhere to the law, as should Oxford County be obligated. Government is two parties, the governing and the governed. The calculus changes when public officials try to keep oversight behind closed doors.

Oxford County pleads poverty as if it is de facto immunity. This can create a potential for abuse of its authority. There is no reason for the county not to be accountable to the people it serves.

Rather than resorting to claims of being overburdened, given the importance of responding to the public and being accountable, it appears Oxford County is suffering more a budget management issue regarding its priorities to the public.

Patrick O’Brien, Norway

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