New economic development group could keep more incentives records private

The News & Observer has reported on a new public-private partnership that will lead efforts to bring companies to North Carolina. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina will operate within a framework outside of the normal public records law, despite being funded by public money.

The N&O quoted SMVT attorney Amanda Martin in the story.

“A cornerstone of open government and transparency in government is we can see how our government is operating and draw our own conclusions about whether it’s operating well,” said Amanda Martin, general counsel for the N.C. Press Association. “By taking these records out of public view, you eliminate that entirely.”

…

Martin said such secrecy could keep important information from the public. Suppose a company considered moving to North Carolina, but ultimately decided not to, because it perceived the state’s schools as substandard. Under the old system, the public would be able to find that out. Under the new system, those records would be shielded.

“Wouldn’t that be important information not just for the office of economic development, but for the people of the state and the school systems?” said Martin.