The Painted Desert Tribune has once again been named the official newspaper of record for Navajo County after winning the county’s publishing contract for another term. The designation means the paper will continue to publish all legally required notices on behalf of the county, including meeting agendas, ordinances, public hearings, bid solicitations, and other government announcements.
The role of newspaper of record is not simply a ceremonial title it carries with it a legal and civic responsibility to ensure the public has access to critical government information. In rural areas especially, where broadband access is uneven and online platforms may not be readily available to all residents, the printed newspaper remains a primary and accessible source of official communication.
Being the newspaper of record also means serving as a safeguard of government transparency. Legal notices published in a newspaper must meet strict standards of timeliness, accuracy and verification. These publications help ensure that decisions about taxes, land use, elections and public funds are announced publicly, in advance, and in a format that is permanent and verifiable. By printing these notices in a physical newspaper with a documented publication schedule and a record of distribution, the public is given an unalterable trail of accountability.
Earlier this year the Arizona House of Representatives passed a bill to end the requirement for public notices to be posted in newspapers. Not only did this mean there would no longer be a way to verify when the information was released but it also means we were turning back on an unchangeable record. I’m happy to say that bill did not make it through the Senate and this protection on the people’s information is here to stay. On top of that I am honored that this newspaper gets to be the one that shares and safeguards this information on behalf of the people of Navajo County.
