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Ever since the threat of the requirement that government notices must be published could be removed by action of the assembly, senate and the governor's budget I have spent a lot of time looking over what is required to be published in our paper and other papers.
It is really quite interesting reading over the paid notices. While I also read the stories produced by news staff writers, reading the notices is a good way to stay up on government action.
Some things published that people should know are bids for road work, bridge repair, salt shed construction...the list goes on.
Without the legal requirement to publish, those are among the things you would not know about in advance.
Meeting agendas are also important and punishing them is a good way to keep the taxpayers involved.
Assemblyman Todd Novak and Senator Howard Marklein were instrumental in keeping the requirement that legal notices must be published. They realize the importance of transparency in government and champion that. They both have newsletters and provide news updates to also keep the pubic informed.
Thank you to Todd and Howard and the other representatives who realize the importance of pubic notices. Thank you also to the people who contacted their representatives who urged keeping the public informed.