When a child makes Santa’s Naughty list this time of year, it means they’ve exhibited some unacceptable behavior that could result in them not receiving something they want.

When a public official makes the New York Coalition for Open Government‘s Naughty list, it means essentially the same thing.

Except the unacceptable behavior is denying citizens their rightful access to government documents or meetings. And the impact goes far beyond the desires of one individual. It means this public official has violated a trust, by depriving the people of their right to know so they can ask relevant questions and demand accountability from their government representatives.

The coalition’s annual Naughty & Nice list goes beyond singling out individuals and government bodies for their failures to uphold government transparency.

It helps people become aware of the many ways in which government officials act to deprive the public of their........

© The Leader Herald