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Gov. Richardson Pronounces 'Sunshine Week' in New Mexico

Published: March 04, 2005
Last Updated: March 04, 2005

Gov. Richardson Pronounces 'Sunshine Week' in New Mexico

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has declared the week of March 13 to be known as "Sunshine Week," noting, in part, that "access to government information is essential in a free society and essential for a free electorate to make informed electoral decisions."

The text of the proclamation appears below.

WHEREAS, freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democratic societies and is one of the most important rights granted to all Americans; and

WHEREAS, access to government information is essential in a free society and essential for a free electorate to make informed electoral decisions; and

WHEREAS, history has proven that freedom does not long survive when the public’s “right to know” is compromised, eliminated or unduly regulated by governmental officials; and

WHEREAS, I fully support the rights of New Mexicans to have access to government documents under the Inspection of Records Act; and

WHEREAS, beginning the week of March 13, 2005, journalism organizations across the nation along with thousands of concerned citizens celebrate "Sunshine Week" to educate and inspire all Americans to be diligent in preserving our constitutionally guaranteed rights under freedom of the press;

NOW, THEREFORE I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, do hereby proclaim the week of March 13, 2005 as:

throughout the State of New Mexico.

Attest:

Done at the Executive Office this 3rd day of March, 2005.

Rebecca Vigil-Giron, Secretary of State

Witness my hand and the Great Seal of the Great State of New Mexico

Bill Richardson, Governor