Unleash the hounds

Ironically, the proliferation of new information sources — mostly online — makes it more difficult to be a wellinformed citizen. Objectivity sometimes submerges in the torrent of information available to us, as those who deliver that information tint it with their own political or ideological palettes.

Politically connected moguls own networks and media organizations that pingpong between opinion and reporting. Their “journalism” shepherds viewers, listeners and readers to positions that align closely with those of ownership while blacking out dissenting perspectives.

In recent years, partisan advocacy groups from all points on the political spectrum — and a few from even stranger places — have added “news services” to help consumers view government the same way they do.

Meanwhile, government officials at the federal and state levels seem intent on making it more difficult for Americans to draw their own conclusions by perusing unfiltered public records. Congress continues to debate the merits of funding free access to a website, thomas.local.gov, that posts federal legislation. A bill to exempt the governor’s working papers from the Maine Freedom of Access Act failed during the last legislative session, but similar proposals will likely resurface.

With elected officials increasingly reluctant to open their books and virtually no case law to address libel or lapses of journalistic integrity on the Internet, the result is an environment in which the reliability of a Google search can’t be trusted.

Earlier this month, the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting introduced a welcome tool for Mainers seeking unadulterated, unadorned information about state government. The center’s new website, beyourownwatchdog.org, provides a portal through which anyone with Internet access can see source documents and public records about candidates, campaign finance, lobbying and government ethics. Information about legislation and other topics will be added, according to the website and the center’s founders, John Christie and Naomi Schalit.

During its two-and-a-half years, the Center for Public Interest Reporting has proved to be a godsend for Mainers seeking impartial, comprehensive reporting on state government practices that merit public scrutiny. The Be Your Own Watchdog website enhances that value.

Redevelopment roulette

Gov. Paul LePage’s attempt to make a statement about fiscal prudence by delaying the sale of bonds that voters approved in June 2010 — including money that the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority planned to use as leverage for $1.7 million in federal aid — sends the wrong message to prospective tenants of the former Navy base.

LePage’s decision unnecessarily creates uncertainty about the pace of the redevelopment effort and further feeds the impression that state government cannot be relied upon to support MRRA.

Maine voters recognized the MRRA bond as an investment in job creation. LePage should as well.