Open government in Iowa: Iowans in poll favor more effort into providing access

SPECIAL REPORT by Iowa newspapers, including The Gazette. Other stories: Public information board proposal to get full airing. Despite the attention to openness, problems exist.

Other stories in this report:Public information board proposal to get full airingDespite attention to openness, problems existNewspaper project focuses on Iowans’ attitudes about open government By Lee Rood Des Moines RegisterTwo in three Iowans polled favor the creation of a board in state government to handle citizen complaints about violations of open meetings and access to government documents.The findings come as Gov. Terry Branstad has joined open government advocates in pushing the Legislature to create such a board, staffed by a full-time attorney, to handle complaints.The September poll, commissioned by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, found Iowans want greater accountability and ...

A stack of copies showing open records polices. (Brian Ray/The Gazette)

RAGBRAI riders cruise into Homestead Friday, July 29, 2011 on their way to an overnight stop in Coralville.  (Brian Ray/ SourceMedia Group News)

Cedar Rapids, Anamosa to be overnight RAGBRAI stops

Iowa's second-largest city hasn't hosted bike ride since 1990

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Sports

brought to you by: our local sponsorsCedar Rapids Kernels pitcher Brian Diemer releases a pitch during the fifth inning of their game against the Kane County Cougars at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011, in southwest Cedar Rapids. (SourceMedia Group News/Jim Slosiarek)
10:37 pm
Riders

RoughRiders lose again to Waterloo, 6-5, in a shootout (w/shootout video)

Cedar Rapids is just 1-5 against rival this year
10:09 pm
Iowa City West's Phillip Laux wrestles with Cedar Rapids Prairie's Josh Wenger during their 113 pound final of the Mississippi Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012 at Iowa City West High School in Iowa City. Laux won the match.  (Brian Ray/ SourceMedia Group News)

Iowa City West wins ninth straight MVC crown

Lions lead early and finish second, only 13 points back
7:29 pm
Reggie Jefferson (left) is interview by fellow Cedar Rapids Baseball Club Hall of Fame member John Campbell during Saturday night's Hot Stove Banquet at the Clarion Hotel in Cedar Rapids.

Player-turned-agent Jefferson not surprised by mega deals

Former Kernel hit an even .300 in 680 career major league games
6:41 pm
KCRG_news_uni-panthers-nort

Missouri State turns back Northern Iowa 63-51

Panthers have dropped five of six





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