Over the last few months, it’s been difficult to get any answers from leaders in Jacksonville about what’s happening in their city. After Thursday night, it appears things will only get tougher.

The Jacksonville City Attorney, who is also serving as the city’s police director (yes, you read that correctly), will now become the point-person for all law enforcement matters. The previous public information officer been reassigned. From this point forward, all communication goes through Robert Bamburg.

Quite frankly, that’s a problem. And here’s why…

Since July when Bamburg took over the position of police director, we’ve requested countless interviews to discuss the direction of the department. Interviews have either been denied or call not returned.

And now he’s going to be the city’s conduit to getting critical information about public safety to Jacksonville residents?

It’s questionable whether Bamburg should be in his role in the first place, as Mitch McCoy has been reporting. It’s important to note the city attorney is an elected position in Jacksonville.

Our team has continued to press the issue. That work continues.

All this comes after the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police voted “no confidence” in Bamburg and Mayor Gary Fletcher — and school resource officers were removed from campuses with very little notice.  The second matter was resolved Thursday evening.

The people of Jacksonville deserve a more transparent government, police officers should have confidence in their leaders, and parents should feel their elected officials are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of their children.

As a tax-paying citizen, you have the right to know. You have to right to know where taxpayer money is going, how the public’s business is being conducted, and what actions elected officials are taking.

To the citizens of Jacksonville, you live in a great town. Don’t be silent. Demand better.