We here at the newspaper file an ungodly number of open records requests each year. Don't forget that you can, too.
Whether you want to learn the salary of a public official or the campaign finance spending of local candidates, Texas law says you are owed the answer.
The process is simple. You can write your request on a napkin.
Open records laws are called Sunshine laws because democracy works best when light is shined on the inner-workings of government.
If you want to be better informed, follow these simple tips:
Request the information in writing. The law is specific about this. While a local public official might share, or agree to share, information by phone, they are not legally obligated to follow through on verbal promises.
Be specific. Tell the agency exactly what you want. You don't have to tell them why you want the information. It's illegal for public officials to ask.
Request documents or other information that exist. As the Texas Attorney General's Office notes: "Governmental bodies are not required to answer questions or perform legal research."
The attorney general suggests you send the request by mail, but I've e-mailed, faxed and delivered requests in person. If you fax or e-mail a request, address the document to the Officer for Public Information or the chief administrative officer. Follow up to make sure the office received the request.
Government entities have 10 business days to tell you whether they plan to contest or honor your information request.
If you'd like to file a formal request, I can supply you with the two varieties you'll need.
If you want public information held by a local or state government entity, I'll give you a Texas Public Information Act request.
If you'd like to view federal documents, I can provide a Freedom of Information Act request.
While you can write your request of me on a napkin, I'll respond much quicker if I receive it in an e-mail. And I'll be less likely to use your request to clean the coffee stains stuck to my desk.
You can contact me at 361-580-6519 or gsemenza@vicad.com.
Gabe
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Excellant article IMO, it tells the who, what, and where.
May 29, 2009 at 6:36 p.m.Getting what they paid for.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/...
Don't you just love to see this happening?
One of many examples of products from China that use to be produced here in the US, now are coming back to haunt the greedy companies. from this small paper company to the huge poisoned dry wall scam, the pet and baby food scam. and I am sure there are and will be many more China horror stories.
What the greedy did not consider in their rush to China is the protection of US laws and courts. I knew this would happen too.
We assume that we will get the same protection in other counties as we do here, and well that is not the case. High product standards are not free and this is what the greedy are now finding out. The old saying that you will get what you pay for is coming back to the greedy and they are not only suffering, but will be destroyed by there stupidity that they assumed they would have the same protection in foreign countries as in the US. A US court can fine or charge all they want , but the foreign countries can just laugh them off, as they have NO POWER over them and they know it.
Millions of companies had ran to China in the 90's now many are finding they were duped and are going to loose everything themselves. We lost jobs, towns, and security that only the US could provide. It is good to see the greedy are now feeling the pain of loosing too.. their businesses. I have no pity for them.
They are getting what their greed led them too. The pain and suffering of leaving the security of the US. Now they re paying the price.. Its a good payment for what they did to the US workers who built their companies to begin with.
I hope all those companies get a taste of this greed revenge scam from China and other countries.
May 28, 2009 at 11:20 a.m.There is sweet revenge for those who were tossed aside and left behind as the greedy thought they had a great deal in cheap labor and zero protection from our countries laws.