MEMPHIS, Tenn. — When state government spends taxpayer dollars to commission a report, you would think the completed report would become public, right? Well, not if we’re talking about Gov. Bill Lee’s administration.
Lee’s people repeatedly refused media requests to make public a $1.5 million report containing recommendations to improve government efficiency – along with how the state responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after a state employee sued for access to the report, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally along with open government organizations insisted there was no sound basis to keep the document secret, Lee’s administration still said go away.
But now, the governor has done an about face. His administration will release the report after all. Before we pat Lee on the back, just remember this - he had no choice. A Davidson County judge was likely poised to say the administration could no longer keep the report under wraps.
So I look forward to reading what my tax money paid for. Quite likely, it will say the state’s COVID response was sorely lacking, which is something Lee would not want the public to know – particularly as he prepares to seek reelection.
Whatever the report says, the public has a right to see it. And the appropriate kudos should go to determined media outlets, one state worker and open government advocates – who believe government works best when the public knows what’s going on.