The only solution to corruption, misuse and abuse of money and power is open and transparent government. Although the Open Government Act, sponsored by Sen. David Hoyle (D-Gaston) in the 2008 short session did not get final approval, there are slow (but hopefully, steady) movements to more transparency and accountability in North Carolina?s state government.
Under North Carolina law, the salaries of employees of tax-funded institutions are public information. But, like other public records, it?s not always easy to find.
The Charlotte Observer in their data center has compiled a database to easily access salary information for employees of state agencies, NC universities, Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system, Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. Salaries are the biggest part of any government budget and taxpayers are entitled to see how that money is spent. It?s the law.
This is a start in the right direction. We need to keep moving towards that sunshine.
