If there is one lesson to be learned about politics, it is that a transparent government makes for a successful government.

When you boil it down, transparency is the foundation of democracy.

Talking to constituents, being open and honest about decisions, spelling out the information in black and white — these are the ways to earn voters’ trust and to avoid the chaos and drama with which politics have become associated.

Leader Publications’ coverage area spans two counties, six school districts, three cities, two villages and more than a dozen townships, in addition to a long list of special boards and organizations.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to cover every meeting of every one of these municipalities, especially because a lot of the boards meet concurrently.

Our reporters attend the meetings that will have the greatest impact for the highest number of people in our coverage area.

Nonetheless, we know there is a need for information from smaller government agencies.

Taxpayers want to know how their tax dollars are being used. We want to tell them, and it is our responsibility to do so.

Residents who live in these fringe communities want to know what is going on, but may not have time to attend meetings or talk with officials.

Every Friday in our daily papers and Thursday in our weekly newspapers, our editorial team will publish “The Watchdog,” a listing of action items and decisions discussed in local council and board meetings.

Think of this as a listing of detailed minutes, consolidated in one place in a product delivered right to your mailbox.

This is a win-win for all parties involved. Politicians will be given the opportunity to engage with their constituents. Voters will have the information necessary to form opinions in future elections, or voice their views on decisions being made in meetings now.

Clerks and secretaries representing each of our local councils and boards were contacted this week to help get this project started. We have already heard great feedback from a number of officials who are eager to participate.

Residents, please encourage your local council and board members to participate in this free opportunity. Elected officials, reach out to me or any of our reporters if you did not receive information on The Watchdog, or if you have any questions.

I hope all municipalities see the value in this project and take advantage of it to connect with constituents, and I hope our readers use The Watchdog as a tool to become more informed about the decisions governing where they live.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.