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oversight of their actions is so alarming.
• As a small state, we should demand more questioning of public actions, more public input on policies and programs, more oversight of taxpayer spending -- and all of that begins with a more transparent government.

• Nationally, and here in South Dakota, it's Sunshine Week, a week designed to highlight the importance of open government. In short, it means recognizing that the public's business should be done in public and that we shouldn't settle for anything less.
• During meetings of the state's Open Government Task Force last year and in other public discussions, some citizens have argued that no one wants their dirty laundry aired in the newspaper or through electronic media. People won't run for office unless some things are allowed to be secret, they argue.
• That's the opposite logic for strong government. If people don't want to run because their abuse of office would be discovered, they really shouldn't run. If people don't want their dirty laundry known public,

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