Editorial: Vote is a victory for more openness

Thursday, June 20, 2002 | 9:12 a.m.

The general public wasn't the only winner Tuesday when the County Commission voted to require more complete disclosures from developers, business owners and contractors who respond to bids or apply for county land-use approvals. The applicants themselves will benefit, as the disclosures -- proposed by Commissioner Dario Herrera -- are a safeguard against unfair competition. In the past, approvals have been granted and contracts approved despite incomplete information regarding the principal owners of the companies -- and their possible ties to commissioners or other county officials.

Previously, even a large company could win contracts or approvals with only its attorney or one or two employees being publicly identified. Now, non-publicly traded companies must reveal everyone who has at least a 5 percent share in the business; publicly traded companies must disclose all officers and members of their boards of directors, and land-use requests must divulge the applicant and landowner.

Before voting, commissioners expressed concerns about company privacy. Our view is that companies seeking public contracts or approvals relinquish some privacy in exchange for good government. Another worry was that companies might leave Nevada. In this growing state, where hundreds of millions of dollars are available through public works projects and in providing housing and services, we're confident that one more form won't drive off legitimate companies.