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When is an Open Record Request an Open Record

8/21/2015

4 Comments

 
On August 14, 2015 Danah Zoulek submitted an open record request to the Village of Richfield asking for "The list of current election officials for Dec. 2013 - Dec. 2015, Election Inspectors and Chief Inspectors." Her request was complied with on August 17, 2015.

Also, there is an interesting note on her request as you will see below, the note states, "Also, I should not be required to fill out a form, oral requests for this type of information should be sufficient."

There are two issues here, (1) the nature of the request and (2) the note suggesting she prefers no written trail of open record requests.

She has every right to make a open record request. BUT, as to the nature of her request, what could be the reason Danah Zoulek wants the names of Richfield election officials?

According to WI state law, the Washington County Republican and Democratic Parties provide a list to each municipality within the county and from those lists election poll workers are selected.

Second, why does she think this request should be allowed as an oral request? WI law Statute19.35(1)(h) regarding open record requests states "A request may be made orally, but a request must be in writing before an action to enforce the request. is commenced under Statue 19.37".

There should be a way to track who makes open record requests. If one is not trying to hide something one should have no need to fear tracking a request for an open record.

In open government the general public should have access to government actions and records. By requesting a public record one has made a government official take action by providing a record. We all need access to government actions and an oral request seems to limit that access and government accountability.

Richfield residents can rest assured that your local government is an open record.
4 Comments
Leann
8/21/2015 03:18:43 am

this woman has way too much time on her hands

Reply
Marie
8/21/2015 06:30:01 am

U r correct! Must not spend much time as a photographer anymore

Reply
Marie
8/21/2015 06:31:53 am

As far as asking for it, it should be in writing. Open. Government must keep audit trails. Otherwise we will have corruption.

Reply
Marie
8/25/2015 01:01:40 am

Can't believe people would complain about having to sign a form to get an open records request. Pretty petty. Plus complain about how we found out who it was.

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