Tribune editorial staff

As Americans celebrated the county’s bicentennial bash in 1976, perhaps eventual president Ronald Reagan summed up America’s feelings the best.

"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’"

It’s one of those rare statements that are funny only because of how much truth they contain. We laugh, but in reality the fear and skepticism of the government is no laughing matter.

With time and a little help from our legislators, maybe Ronald Reagan’s quote will lose its humor.

We’re pretty certain America’s founding fathers never imagined the immense level of bureaucracy that would envelope modern-day government. And through the years, more modern politicians have attempted to "fix" the problems that can be created when government grows bloated to the point in which unscrupulous people can hide in the shadows of the many, many layers.

The "sunshine laws" were created decades ago in an attempt to shed light in the dark recesses of government. And while those laws, which protect the right of the public to see and review public documents and public business, the laws lacked a couple of key features – modes of enforcement and prevention.

In June, a statewide records audit, in which this newspaper participated, showed abysmal results in testing the basics of just how accessible public documents were.

One of the biggest problems uncovered by the audit was that many state, county and local workers who are entrusted with protecting the public’s rights do not fully understand the laws.

Last week, Rep. Scott Oelslager, a Canton Republican, introduced a bill that would require public records training for government workers and stiffer penalties for violating the laws.

We’re thankful to Oelslager for seeking a remedy to the problem and encourage the senate and the house to take immediate action on this matter when the new General Assembly is seated in January.

Lawmakers have many, many important items to address during the next session, but none as important as protecting your right to have proper access to your government.