The Pew Internet and American Life Project, in conjunction with the National League of Cities -- a municipal organization consisting of 1,800 cities and towns, released a report on October 2 on how local officials use the Internet for dealing with constituents online. The study suggests that localities may have embraced online technology out of necessity more so than their federal counterparts, but that a significant disconnect exists with respect to the expectations and attitudes of local officials and their constituents, as they address community issues.

Concerned about the current administration?s preference for policies of secrecy and information restriction OMB Watch recently issued a working paper entitled "The Bush Administration?s Secrecy Policy: A Call to Action to Protect Democratic Values" detailing the growth of secrecy in government, its impact and current public opinion on increased secrecy. The paper concludes with a call to action that emphasizes the need to build a coordinated campaign that not only addresses the increased secrecy, but also promotes strengthening the public's right-to-know.