Original Editorial article appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on October 29 2014

The idea that Saint John’s City Hall should routinely release all the policies it generates, all the costs it incurs and all the data that it collects regarding municipal services would have been a non-starter as recently as two years ago. That’s because the city’s last administration was as mired in secrecy as many of its predecessors had been. Critics equated this approach to the methods of mushroom farming: keep people in the dark and toss the occasional shovelful of manure at them.

Saint Johners ultimately rejected this “old boys club” style of governance. Now, the new council that voters elected has voted to adopt a policy of routine and sweeping openness, which would see all data that is not legally confidential automatically disclosed.

Implementing an open data policy that sees information posted consistently, in a timely fashion and in accessible, digital formats will be a critically important step in improving transparency and accountability at City Hall. It should also provide a significant boost to economic development and municipal planning, because having access to the raw data about city services will enable entrepreneurs to identify opportunities and develop new products, services and development proposals tailored to particular needs in this growing city.

A good deal of governance involves problem solving. Open data allows citizens to assess where the problems are, provide feedback to city staff and council, and propose informed solutions.

Ultimately, it offers citizens the opportunity to get involved in informed decision-making about public services – a goal that we believe would benefit council and the entire community.