Members of the state panel reviewing policies about retaining government e-mails say that deleting messages often comes down to personal judgment, an indication harsher guidelines need to be set.

Gov. Mike Easley formed the panel after his press office faced allegations that it told employees to permanently delete any e-mail correspondence with the governor's office. Though Easley denies the allegations, such instances, if true, would violate state public records law.

The governor's Chief of Computer Services George Bakoila told the panel on Thursday that state employees send about 5.5 million e-mails a day, and the administration's policy allows employees to delete e-mails when they reach a certain age or have little value. In fact, employees are instructed to delete e-mails no longer needed on a monthly basis.

Who's to say the messages deemed worthless by state employees mean nothing to the public?

Easley has asked the panel to set recommendations that would ensure state agencies follow the public records laws. But it looks like he already has tightened the reins on what he wants the public to know.

It's a shame because not too long ago we fought a similar battle.

During his time in the N.C. Senate, N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper authored the legislation that justly gave residents more access to public meetings and documents.

Hopefully when the panel submits its proposal to Easley in May, it will recommend tighter guidelines for state employees who might have a lapse in judgment.