The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

The decision last week to cancel the Iowa State Fair was a reminder of the seriousness of coronavirus and the consequences of many people's anxiety about returning to activities that normally are an important part of Iowa life.

But the State Fair's decision also illuminated an embarrassing disconnect from the norms of government transparency and accountability in our state.

I have attended government meetings for 50 years - from small-town city councils and school boards, to state boards and commissions. I have never seen or heard about a more outrageous abuse of the principle of open gover...