Clarion Ledger: No special treatment for public information on officials
When it was all over, most of the information we sought concerning Burton’s accident and arrest was released. That doesn’t excuse the fact authorities clearly took unusual measures, directing the flow of information and providing extra scrutiny than would have been required for most any other citizen.
We realize the Highway Patrol has new leadership. We believe the rigamarole to be law enforcement exercising extreme caution in an attempt to politically protect themselves and not some attempt to hide the truth. After all, the facts here are clear and routine.
Hopefully this is a learning experience. Public information is public. It shouldn’t be restricted, especially when a public official is involved, lest such a restriction give off the appearance of impropriety.
Clarion Ledger
5/19/16
