A week ago, the Sun-Gazette published an op-ed column by the CEO and president of Spotlight PA — an op-ed column we feel it is important for voters to reflect upon.

“Since its founding, Spotlight PA has directly saved taxpayers more than $20 million through its investigations,” Christopher Baxter wrote. “Its reporting has led to 36 local, state, and federal policy changes, prompted 14 new pieces of legislation, and resulted in 8 legal victories — some setting new statewide precedents that enhance government transparency across the Commonwealth.”

“These aren’t just numbers on a page,” Baxter went on to note. “Behind each statistic are countless people whose lives have been changed for the better as a direct result of our reporting.”

The work that we — the Sun-Gazette, Spotlight PA, The Center Square and Associated Press — is important.

We have never made a secret of our editorial board’s conservative inclinations. We will continue to share the viewpoint that one of our nation’s greatest strengths is its history of decentralized authority under the concept of being a democratic republic. Our directly elected municipal councils and boards, school boards, county offices and state offices should have greater sway on the course of our communities than the federal government with the inherent risks of one-size-fits-all answers to communities’ diverse and unique problems.

But part of such principles is ensuring that local governments are held to account — and the work of affording constituents the fullest opportunity to require accountability is local journalism.

We are grateful for the chances to partner with Spotlight PA, The Center Square and the Associated Press to provide such opportunities regarding our state government and our reporters and editors will continue to work hard to provide such opportunities regarding our local and county governments.

Our principles require it.