This feature on LEDE News may not appear weekly but instead when we must file a FOIA Request with whatever branch of government we deem needs to furnish additional answers.
The FOIA Request was created by members of the U.S. Congress in 1966 with the intent of increasing governmental transparency. The law, codified at 5 USC §552, mandates the receiving agency to make public disclosure of documents managed by governmental entities that were not readily available prior to the request.
There are occasions when filing a formal FOIA request is not necessary, but when public information is withheld for whatever reasons, it proves to be a handy tool for journalists, yes, but also for private citizens. It is all about the workings of government and federal laws that exist concerning the availability of public records pertaining to expenditures, criminal citations, project details, and meeting minutes along with recordings.
Now, one must be sure the information is not available already before filing an FOIA Request.
What FOIA Requests might be submitted in the future?
- It was reported last month that 25 motorists in Ohio County had been nabbed for passing a school bus during the pick-up or drop-off process during which lights are flashing and stop signs are extended on both sides of the bus. What are the names of those cited and what fines were issued in each case?
- What official conversations between officials with the Ohio County Commission and Ohio County Schools have been held concerning the possible construction of a new football stadium at The Highlands?
- What have been the City’s expenditures involved with travel expenses involving city council members and the mayor from July 2016 through October 2019? An itemized account is what is officially requested.
- What communications took place between Live Nation and the Belmont County Commission before the announcement of the alleged hiatus of the now defunct country music festival?
- What was the final cost of the Cameron high and middle school complex, including the construction and the updates that needed performed post-opening, the expenses involving with filed and lawsuit settlements, and the amount paid to the project management company.
These requests would need to be made in writing, and FOIAs can be submitted via email, if available, and through the regular mail. Be sure, if a plan exists to file such a request, that it is as detailed as possible to avoid repeated efforts. No opinions can be solicited when making information requests nor should a written analysis be included.
Not every FOIA Request is fulfilled, and that is because exemptions do exist, including information pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, Sunshine Laws pertaining to executive sessions, and medical and personnel laws that protect privacy. The wait for a response depends on how complex the request is, but journalists and private citizens in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania have access rights thanks to open records laws no matter how long it may take.
If and when we at LEDE News feel compelled to file an FOIA Request, we will publish the inquiry the same day it is sent, offering our readers the same rationale communicated to the involved branch of government. With the 2020 election cycle approaching, voters will hear candidates and incumbents promise transparency over and over, and THE FIOA FILE will be an instrument utilized to ensure those pledges are kept by our elected officials, and by all compensated by the tax-paying people.
