Opinion: Public, legal notices help protect Michiganders’ rights, property and finances

EDITOR'S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Ottawa News Network.

LANSING — As attacks continue on public and legal notice requirements in Michigan, the Michigan Press Association is highlighting the importance of these requirements to keeping the public informed about how government actions could impact their rights, property taxes, quality of life and finances.

The MPA continues to call on Michigan’s elected leaders to halt ongoing efforts that could remove requirements for governments and other public institutions to publish important information about decision-making in newspapers through public and legal notices. These requirements play a critical role in helping Michiganders learn about and weigh in on important tax proposals, zoning changes, news ordinances, proposed property developments and more.

“Public and legal notices are critical to an informed and engaged public,” said Brad Thompson of the Detroit Legal News and co-chair of the MPA Public Policy Committee. “We continue to urge Michigan lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to protect these foundational transparency measures that play a critical role in helping Michigan citizens access information and make informed decisions that best reflect their values, beliefs and budgets.”

Efforts to remove public notice requirements are widely criticized by government transparency groups and others as a means for elected officials to obscure their actions from the public. These requirements are essential in a healthy democracy where elected officials act in the public’s interest rather than for personal or political gain.

“Our lawmakers should focus on improving transparency, not finding ways to hide their actions from public view,” said Jim Tarrant, executive director of the Public Notice Resource Center. “Legal notices help inform Michiganders about actions that could impact their rights, property and finances so they have an opportunity to learn more, object or appeal decisions and hold officials accountable.”

Publishing legal notices in newspapers informs Michiganders about actions that can impact them like government court decisions, including property foreclosures, to help ensure transparency and accountability. 

Newspapers are widely accessible and create a record of notices that helps ensure legal procedures are followed. This can also protect residents from scams and fraud that could cause long-term financial damage, identity theft and legal complications.

Learn more about the importance of public and legal notices on the Michigan Press Association website.

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