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The foundation of a democratic society is the public’s right to know what their government is doing. Public business must be performed in an open and public manner so citizens can fairly evaluate the performance of public officials and the decisions they make. For that reason, New York has a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). Other states have similar laws. The Federal government has the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Not surprisingly public officials often resist such transparency and in some cases have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the sunlight. It can be a battle. A war. A FOIL War.
It was quiet this week.
More Stonewalling in Mamaroneck
My June 13, 2022 FOIL to The Village of Mamaroneck for the “152 pages of documents to Mayor Murphy” sent by Village Manager Jerry Barberio has been dragged out further.
Their excuse this week: “This agency has determined that it is unable to respond to your request in full within the next twenty business days for the following reasons: Due to the number of requests received, staff time is needed to research requests while also attending to their day-to-day duties. Accordingly, on or before September 17, 2022 you may expect a response detailing the extent to which your request will be granted or denied.”
FOIL Denied in New Rochelle Hit-and-Run case
I requested New Rochelle Police Department body cam and dash cam video of police interaction with Gillian Getlan per CR-5970-21, a hit-run case on 10/19/21.
This week — about 6 months later — I got this reply:
Body Camera and In Car video in this case are not available at this time as they were collected for law enforcement purposes, and their release would interfere with the judicial proceeding.
FOIL of NYSED Facilities Partially Granted
The number of responsive documents is too great to be emailed therefore a thumb drive has been created and shipped to you next day air leaving our offices tomorrow. Please reply to this email with your mailing address to confirm it.
Office of Facilities Planning
New York State Education Department
So, I am checking the mail.
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