Op-Ed: No pitcher calls their own strikes; public notices require the same independence

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In an op-ed, Sharon Sorg argues that Pennsylvania should modernize its public notice law to allow notices to appear in newspapers' print and online editions, while rejecting proposals that would let government agencies control the public notice process. Sorg says this independence is crucial to protect transparency and public participation, as research shows public awareness and civic engagement drop when notices are scattered across government websites.

Why it matters

Public notice laws are rooted in principles of open government and due process, ensuring the public has the opportunity to know about and respond to government actions before they are taken. Allowing government agencies to control the notification process undermines this independence and public confidence in government.

The details

Sorg argues that while newspapers agree the public notice system should be modernized, they support Pennsylvania House Bill 1291, which would allow notices to appear in print newspapers and on their websites, as well as on a centralized statewide website. This preserves the independent oversight role of newspapers, which are not involved in the decision-making process. In contrast, shifting notices solely to government websites, as some local officials favor, risks notices being altered, added or removed after the fact, particularly for controversial decisions.

• Pennsylvania's 50-year-old Newspaper Advertising Act currently requires public notices to appear only in printed newspapers.
• Pennsylvania House Bill 1291 has been proposed to modernize the public notice system.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Pennsylvania lawmakers should support House Bill 1291 and reject any proposal that would allow government agencies to control the public notice process.