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Should we even bother filing a 311 complaint?
The city agency overseeing the 311 system has again been caught flouting government transparency standards — this time stalling the release of emails that Streetsblog requested following an investigation into ignored 311 service requests.
Government watchdogs are raising new alarms.
“An agency repeatedly issuing itself extensions to respond to Freedom of Information Law requests is inconsistent with FOIL’s purpose,” said Heather Murray, an attorney with the Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic who represents Streetsblog. “Endless delays are tantamount to a denial, and the lack of responsiveness from the Office of Technology and Innovation here only serves to keep important information from the public and thereby erode the public’s trust in its government.”
Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.
As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.
When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.