Do I have to file a Freedom of Information Request (FOIL) for Property Records?
Do I have to file a Freedom of Information Request (FOIL) for Property Records? QUESTION Our town puts out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for bids to buy a parcel of property. Bids arrive to the town. Does we have to FOIL for the records? Or are they available to us as part of the […]
Erie County – Finally, answers on sheriff’s helicopter use
Erie County: Finally, answers on sheriff’s helicopter use The Erie County Sheriff’s Dept wants a new helicopter at a cost of $10 million. Investigative Post filed a FOIL request to find out how often the current helicopter has been used. The FOIL request was initially denied on the basis that providing flight records would endanger lives […]
As The Leaves Are Changing – What Has (and Has Not) Changed with the FOIA?
As The Leaves Are Changing – What Has (and Has Not) Changed with the FOIA? This is a good overview of interesting changes recently made in Connecticut regarding their open government laws. The Author Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is […]
Access to public records is ‘deteriorating terribly’
Access to public records is ‘deteriorating terribly’ This is an interesting article regarding issues occurring with Freedom of Information Laws across the country. “At a time when 4 in 10 Americans say they don’t trust the government of the state in which they live to handle problems well, according to a mid-October Gallup poll, keeping public […]
Local Budget Process
Local Buget Process It is budget time for local governments across NY State. Public hearings are required before a budget can be passed. Here are two guides that help explain the budget process for local governments. New York State Tughill Commission NYS Comptroller The Author Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government […]
Muckrock SEJ Workshop
Muckrock SEJ Workshop For folks involved with environmental issues you may be interested in the training being provided below. Two reporters will offer tips on what they learned after filing FOIA requests with all 10 EPA regions and dozens of other requests at the state and local levels during this investigation. They’ll also walk through how you […]
Buffalo paralegal Nathan Feist wins lawsuit against the City of Buffalo for denied FOIL request
Buffalo paralegal Nathan Feist wins lawsuit against the City of Buffalo for denied FOIL Requesting Kudos to Buffalo paralegal Nathan Feist who filed and won a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo regarding the denial of his FOIL request. The judge ordered the city to provide the records Nathan requested. Handling a lawsuit on your own […]
Buffalo State to keep finalists secret
Buffalo State to keep finalists secret A public institution, including a college, should never have a secretive process for selecting its leader. A Mayor and a Congressman may find it uncomfortable to have their names publicly revealed, but I am sure they will still participate in the process. The position pays at least $285,000, along with […]
Coalition Members Cory H. Morris fighting for Open Government
Coalition Member Cory H. Morris fighting for Open Government We are fortunate at the New York Coalition For Open Government to have members who are attorneys that are dedicated to the cause of open government. Attorney Cory Morris, while based in Long Island handles Freedom of Information lawsuits across the state. Recently Cory traveled to Rochester […]
City of Buffalo rejects News’ request for public records about potential lawsuits
City of Buffalo rejects News’ request for public records about potential lawsuits Yet another article about how the City of Buffalo makes providing information pursuant to a FOIL request difficult. The Author Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and […]
