Posted in Open Records on Feb 28th, 2008 No Comments »
As a taxpaying citizen, and more importantly, as a newspaper editor, I have always believed that any business by public agencies – after all, it’s our money that they’re spending – should be conducted in an open forum without restraint.
I really could care less whether it’s negotiations with teachers, discussion about allegations against someone paid […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 27th, 2008 No Comments »
In its comprehensive article on the new open records law last week, the Patriot-News of Harrisburg listed some of the major exemptions under SB 1 as passed by both houses of the legislature and signed by Governor Rendell:
• Records that likely would result in physical harm or jeopardize someone’s security.
• Records that would jeopardize […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 26th, 2008 No Comments »
Last week the Patriot-News in Harrisburg published some “scenarios” intended to help readers understand some of the implications of the new open records law:
How could it affect you? Here’s a look at several scenarios in which a business or resident might have a problem that can be solved using public records and how the new […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 25th, 2008 No Comments »
The concept is simple – it’s our government and our records.
There will continue to be, as there should, safeguards against release of records that might disclose medical or other personal information that doesn’t belong in the public realm.
But the public will be able, as it also should, to find out more about what government is […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 22nd, 2008 No Comments »
On February 14, 2008, Governor Rendell signed Act 3 of 2008 into law, which is a complete overhaul of the Right to Know Law. Although some provisions take effect immediately (those establishing an Open Records Office) and others take effect on July 1, 2008 (requiring state-related institutions to make certain financial information public and requiring […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 21st, 2008 No Comments »
A smattering of what some folks are saying in the wake of the new open records law.
“I just believe it brings us out of the Dark Ages. We are finally not a secret government. We’re not hiding anything. All the accounts are open.” Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Uniontown).
“We’re viewing the glass as a little more than […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 20th, 2008 No Comments »
Reminders of why we needed open records reform and fought so long and hard to get it . . .
• Judge Doris Smith-Ribner put an exclamation point on the extraordinary hubris of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency when she ordered it to pay $48,000 in legal fees for three news organizations that had to […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 19th, 2008 No Comments »
We continue with reactions from around the state – and beyond – to the new open records law and the process that got us here. Send us your reaction and/or report.
• From our friends Leslie Graves, who hosts WikiFoIA, the sunshine blog across the nation.
I’m terribly deficient at covering what is now the year-long fight […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 18th, 2008 2 Comments »
Now that the long trek is over and Pennsylvania has a new open records law – or will have after January 1, 2009 – the original intent of this blog is coming to a close. We have not decided what 00 if anything – to do with it in the future, and we welcome your […]
Posted in Open Records on Feb 14th, 2008 No Comments »
Here are pictures from the press conference. Click on a shot to see the full sized image. Use your browser’s “back” button to return.
Governor Ed Rendell, flanked by Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fayette) to Rendell’s right and Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) to his left, the prime sponsor of the bill, prepares to sign Senate Bill […]