By Sen. Kirk Watson and Rep. Todd Hunter

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ive of the most frightening words to hear from elected officials from all levels of government are these:  “I’m all for transparency, but….”

The phrase following the “but” is usually an excuse to weaken government transparency, not protect it.

Our open government laws were once considered the nation’s best, but in recent years they’ve been eroded by court rulings and loopholes that weaken...