If you are a strong advocate of the First Amendment -- or, actually, even if you're not -- you will want to pay particular attention to The Telegraph and www.nashuatelegraph.com starting Sunday as we begin our observance of Sunshine Week 2007.

This is the third consecutive year we have chosen to participate in the American Society of Newspaper Editors initiative, which is intended to bring attention to the importance of open government in a democratic society.

As such, you can expect to see a series of stories related to the public's right to know, beginning Sunday with national and local stories related to a nationwide audit of community emergency response plans.

The Telegraph was one of 162 news organizations that took part in this national project. Reporters and student journalists -- identifying themselves only as interested citizens -- visited municipal offices across the country and asked for a copy of these public documents, which were mandated by Congress under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986.

Care to guess how many complied with the law? Or the common reasons given for denial? Then you won't want to miss these reports in The Sunday Telegraph.

You can also read my column on the importance of Sunshine Week, which will appear in the Perspectives section and also be available online.

In the meantime, to learn more about Sunshine Week, click here.