There is an old saying in politics: Never pick a fight with people who buy their ink by the barrel.

Last week, I ran into this rule when I got in a dust up with several media outlets, including this one, over legislation I am working on that allows local municipalities to post legal notices online instead of having to pay to publish them in local newspapers.  Municipalities could still choose to publish in newspapers if that best serves the community.

The intent of the legislation, which I am working on with both Republican and Democrat lawmakers, is to give cash-strapped local governments options to save money and operate more efficiently.  Statewide, municipalities spend millions of dollars a year to publish legal notices in newspapers.

I understand why many in the newspaper industry are upset by this legislation, and I have invited them to be involved in the committee process and find ways to make the legislation better.

But I feel attacks against me for being against greater openness in government are not only unfair, but completely off base.

Since I was first elected, increasing government transparency has been a centerpiece of my reform work in Lansing.  In fact, I was one of the first state representatives to post my office spending information online, which may be viewed on my Web site at www.gophouse.com/ sharontyler.htm.

I am also working on legislation to require the state to post all spending on a single, searchable Web site so taxpayers can see how their money is spent, with the idea being that posting state spending online will make government more efficient by exposing waste.

As the state and local governments struggle with constant budget shortfalls, it is important to find innovative solutions. Allowing local municipalities to save money by posting legal notices online means more money for roads, police and fire protection.

I look forward to hearing your comments on these important issues.  Please feel free to contact me by calling (888) 373-0078 or e-mailing sharontyler@house.mi. gov.