Editorial: Disclosure needed from institutions

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000 | 9:12 a.m.

For all of the flaws that have been uncovered in Florida's election process, at least we can give that state credit for sunshine laws that make its government records among the most accessible in the nation. It is a lesson that needs to be learned by Nevada politicians and bureaucrats for the benefit of the public.

Nevada government officials over the years frequently have treated the phrase "full disclosure" like a virus that needed to be neutralized. It is particularly worrisome when an elected official struggles to get records that should be fully available. That is why we applaud the efforts of Regent Steve Sisolak to seek a detailed accounting from the University and Community College System of Nevada of the money our state institutions of learning have spent on business lunches, flowers and other fund-raising activities.

As reported by the Sun's Jeffrey Libby, the universities and community colleges spent nearly $2.4 million combined on those items last year to recruit faculty and private donors. But we share Sisolak's concerns that accounts of those expenditures have been too vague. The School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno, for instance, reported $158,000 in expenses but did not offer details.

We urge state auditors to comply with his request for more detailed reports because it will increase public trust in our educational institutions.