Tribune editorial: Events in little Vineyard City illustrate why open government is a big deal [Video]

Like many other mayors and city council members in Utah communities, Vineyard City Mayor Julie Fullmer has a day job. She’s the co-founder and general partner of something called OutWit Media Group and OutWit Media LLC.

But Fullmer has not been able to totally outwit the media, which keeps finding and reporting on highly questionable activities and uses of public funds in the Utah County community of 14,500 people.

It shows why an independent news media is so crucial to good government. And why government records, including the calendars of public officials at all levels, should be open to the public.

Just the other day, The Salt Lake Tribune reported on how Fullmer and lame-duck members of the City Council, before two new members took their seats on the four-member council, pushed through a ream of new rules, expenditures and memberships.

Together with decisions already made, and checks already cut, the city since 2023 has spent $188,500 on “trade missions” and multi-year …