Emails, Transparency ... and Excitement!
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Friday, 3.6.15 ON THE WEB: www.yankton.net views VIEWS PAGE: [email protected] PAGE 4A PRESS&DAKOTAN The Press Dakotan THE DAKOTAS’ OLDEST NEWSPAPER | FOUndED 1861 Yankton Media, Inc., 319 Walnut St., Yankton, SD 57078 CONTACT US We Say PHONE: (605) 665-7811 Wage Against The Machine (800) 743-2968 THUMBS DOWN NEWS FAX: to the South Dakota Legislature for passing a youth minimum wage that will be lower than (605) 665-1721 the new minimum wage approved by voters last No- ADVERTISING FAX: vember. The youth wage would be set at $7.50 an hour (605) 665-0288 and would not be tied to the rate of inflation or other WEBSITE: variables. While we recognize a certain logic to estab- www.yankton.net lishing this wage for people under 18 and who, thus, ––––– probably won’t be supporting families, the fact is this legislation flies in SUBSCRIPTIONS/ the face of what the voters proclaimed rather convincingly at the polls CIRCULATION in November. Just more than three months later, lawmakers are already Extension 104 whittling away at it. (As of this writing, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has yet [email protected] to say whether he would veto the legislation.) One has to wonder now CLASSIFIED ADS what other bills will be introduced in future sessions to water down the initiated measure that the public embraced at the polls. Extension 108 [email protected] NEWS DEPT. Running Time Emails, Transparency Extension 114 [email protected] THUMBS UP to the Yankton United Way and the SPORTS DEPT. EMBE program out of Sioux Falls, which holds the Extension 106 state charter for the national program, for sponsor- [email protected] ing the “Girls On The Run” program at Yankton’s Beadle and Lincoln Elementary schools. The new ... And Excitement! ADVERTISING DEPT. program, for 3-5 grade girls, focuses on healthy living Extension 122 and exercise as keys to a bright future. In addition, BY KELLY HERTZ upgrade the law to address modern, real-time [email protected] the Connecting Kids Youth Scholarships provided by the United Way [email protected] issues. HB 1153 passed the state House this week BUSINESS OFFICE made it possible for all who were interested to be able to participate. and is due to be considered by the Senate State Extension 119 United Way organizers say they already are planning on expanding It was actually kind of exciting this week Affairs Committee today (Friday). [email protected] the program to other schools in Yankton next fall. What a great way when the New York Times broke the story that So, serving as a convenient case study if NEW MEDIA: to support the youth of the community. Hillary Clinton used her own personal email nothing else, Clinton’s problem this week is Extension 136 account instead of a government account during nicely timed. Granted, she may have not have re- [email protected] her time as secretary of state. alized she was actually breaking the federal rules COMPOSING DEPT. Video Links By using her own account, she — although whenever a spokesperson effectively placed an untold number of says their boss followed the “spirit” Extension 129 THUMBS UP to the video visit program at Mike and the “letter” of the rule or law, it’s [email protected] electronic missives beyond the reach of Durfee State Prison in Springfield. The program, the public scrutiny and historical archiv- usually a sign they knew precisely * * * only one of its kind among South Dakota corrections ing. She in effect did public government where the sunlight ended and the gray facilities, allows inmates to remain connected with MANAGERS business beyond public access and shadows of ambiguity commenced. The their loved ones using Skype and computer stations behind a veil of protective and conveni- fact is, she should have know better. Gary L. Wood at the prison. According to prison officials, the con- ent secrecy. (She has since requested Clinton has left herself at the mercy Publisher tinued connection with family and friends will better that the State Department release all of the eyes of various beholders: allies Michele Schievelbein prepare inmates for their release. The program also seeks to increase her emails for public inspection.) and enemies, conspiracy mongers and Advertising Director the likelihood the prisoners won’t re-offend after their release and This revelation resulted in an explo- character assassins who can take this return to prison. The program, implemented in February 2014, has sion of headlines and social media out- misstep and shape it any way they Tonya Schild grown during its first years and looks to expand the amount of avail- bursts working hard to fan the flames Kelly want. Business Manager able time for visits. The program could also be implemented at other of controversy with a presidential elec- Perhaps that’s only fair. After all, Michael Hrycko South Dakota prisons, according to MDSP officials. tion cycle already cranking up. And it’s HERTZ the use of a private email account Circulation Director been quite odd to hear people tossing potentially allowed Clinton — or any- around words like “transparency” and one else who uses private electronic Tera Schmidt Young Volunteers “accountability” like they were either new-found communications to do business — to poten- Classified Manager THUMBS UP to two area high school seniors, Allie toys or handy new weapons. tially shape the reality of those messages and Kelly Hertz But it was “exciting” (or about as exciting as manipulate the information however one sees Thiesse of Yankton and Katie Winckler of Scotland, such things can possibly get) because people Editor for their outstanding volunteerism. Thiesse was fit. usually don’t get so amped up about open gov- That should tell you just how undeniably James D. Cimburek chosen the first of this year’s three recipients from ernment issues, which is probably why we keep across the nation to receive the Hugh O’Brian Youth precious public information really is. It’s why Sports Editor having issues with open government. (I realize, laws addressing open meetings and govern- (HOBY) scholarship. The application requires a too, most of this was due to the fact that Clinton Beth Rye minimum of 250 hours of service — and Thiesse ment transparency are so essential. They’re was involved. If the same story came out about the only leverage the people have in finding out New Media Director has doubled it with more than 500 hours. She has completed a wide Ag Secretary Tom Vlsack ... well, you know.) variety of projects, but she has shown a particular passion for help- what’s really going on behind closed doors or Kathy Larson I was glad to see so many people talking beyond public view. Composing Manager ing children and teenagers with cancer. Winckler, who and orthotics, about this while they had the chance. This will along with donations, to benefit others. The projects has exceed her As I said, this will fade away in a few days, probably be mostly forgotten by next week except for those who wish to keep it alive to Kristina Tunink expectations, as she has collected approximately 30 artificial legs, because that’s the way open government issues District Manager orthotics and $3,000 in donations. further a political narrative. For the rest of us, it usually play out. will vanish with the changing news cycles as we But it is important. It’s not because Clinton become obsessed by, say, the color of the next * * * is likely to be running for president any moment DAILY STAFF dress that overwhelms the Internet. now. It’s not because a government official — ei- But for this fleeting moment, please appreci- Melissa Bader ONLINE OPINION ther accidentally or deliberately — tried to skirt Cassandra Brockmoller ate how important government transparency The results of the most recent Internet poll on the Press & Dakotan’s Web site are matters of government transparency. Instead, really is to all of us — and how much it matters Brandi Bue as follows: this incident puts a focus on electronic com- Rob Buckingham munication, a realm in which restlessly evolving in Washington, in Pierre, in Lincoln or in the Caryn Chappelear LATEST RESULTS: technology is far outpacing our static laws that chambers of government just down the street. Randy Dockendorf Should South Dakota legislators receive a pay increase? cover it. The information that our lawmakers work with Jeannine Economy No .............................................................................................................................79% For South Dakotans paying attention to is ours to see, not theirs to hide. The laws pro- Jordynne Hart Ye s ............................................................................................................................16% what’s going on in Pierre, this should at least tecting that information are important, because Jeremy Hoeck Not sure ....................................................................................................................5% mildly ring a bell. And it should sound a lot like the consequences are, too. Shauna Marlette TOTAL VOTES CAST ...............................................................................................375 House Bill 1153, a measure that would expand Robert Nielsen The Press & Dakotan Internet poll is not a scientific survey and reflects the opinions the reach of open meeting laws to cover emails You can follow Kelly Hertz on Twitter at twit- Diana Smallwood only of those who choose to participate. The results should not be construed as an ac- ter.com/kelly_hertz/. Discuss this story at www. curate representation or scientific measurement of public opinion. and texts that government officials use while Cathy Sudbeck conducting public business. It’s an effort to yankton.net/. Sally Whiting ——— JoAnn Wiebelhaus CURRENT QUESTION: Brenda Willcuts Should high school transgender athletes be allowed to choose which sports LETTERS TO THE EDITOR they wish to participate in? * * * To cast your vote in the PRESS & DAKotan’S Internet poll, log on to our website What’s Going On? Published Daily at www.yankton.net.