A Citizen Watchdog in Texas: Jennnifer LaFleur
Although longtime journalist Jennifer LaFleur specializes in a Citizen Watchdog column for the Dallas Morning News, she says she's not alone in her field.
"I would hope most journalists are watchdogs," she says. "It's our job to dig out corruption and correct wrongdoings. When we hold government up to do what they are supposed to do, we make them accountable."
LaFleur has always been interested in open government issues-which, she says, is probably because she lived in California, where getting information from the government can be difficult.
It makes sense, then, that she's devoted much of her career to the subject. In fact, LaFleur has won multiple awards for her coverage of open government issues. She's done computer-assisted reporting-producing stories using data analysis-for most of her journalistic career, which has included positions at the San Jose Mercury News, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and now the Dallas Morning News. She was also the first national training director for Investigative Reporters and Editors, a group dedicated to maintaining high standards of journalistic excellence and investigative reporting.
While not everyone will be in the same position as LaFleur, it's still imperative that all citizens stay active to keep their government accountable.
"The government works for them," LaFleur says. "They need to know what it's up to."
LaFleur added that while some citizens are vigilant in holding their elected officials accountable, many find it difficult to know where to start. She offers some advice: "Know the law. Know what you have a right to. Don't take no for an answer-be persistent."
To check out LaFleur's column--as well as federal and state watchdog resources--click here.
