Close democracy and openness

In Des Moines, we had lunch with the staff of the Capitol and had drinks with them every night. This is something that could never happen in France: even if France is a democratic country, politicians are not really ready to welcome people and listen to their point of view, requests, concerns, etc. Here, it was really different. Politicians were really open, and I think that what defines the American political system : openness. For me the principle of subsidiarity is important. Nobody up could do what could be done by somebody down : democracy is so more efficient and much more adapted to the needs of people. They think that election is not enough : citizens have still the duty to take part of the democratic system and politicians have the duty to pay attention to citizens’ request (as they are accountable to them).
I read an article on the Internet about local news that makes me think about that. The Governor of Iowa, Chet Culver, had proclaimed in Iowa City « Sunshine Week » from March, 15 to March, 21. The aim of this week is to highlight the importance of a free press and to emphasize on open government and access to information. The article said that « Culver said President Barack Obama has made open government a federal priority and says the right to share information without fear of retribution is essential to a free society ». That is what we observe in Des Moines too, and that open government is not only a « federal priority » - as the article said, but also a state priority. Iowa is ranked 31st in government openness.