Village officials all talk, no transparency
By KEVIN WILLIAMS
March 20, 2008
Last week marked the start of Sunshine Week, a national effort, beginning March 16 thru 22, to promote the
public’s rights and recognizing the cause, importance and struggle for a more transparent and accountable
government.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests allow the public to learn how the government spends
its tax dollars among other things.
Keeping in step with our efforts for transparency, we put Maywood to the test under the FOIA.
The Journal-News filed Freedom of Information Act requests with Maywood and surrounding government
body’s.
The Village of Maywood, Forest Park, River Forest and Oak Park were asked for logs of code violation
citations in the most recent twelve months as part of an investigation to see how Illinois open-record laws
play out in practice.
Open access to the code violation records may seem petty, but it’s not, according to an advocate for free
access to government.
“Any hurdles to public records hurt democracy. An open, honest and accountable government is the
cornerstone of democracy that can only be achieved through the free and open exchange of information
between government and its citizens,” said Attorney General, Lisa Madigan.
3 of 4 respond
When it comes to deadlines for Freedom of Information Act requests, all four villages passed with flying
colors.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act requires public body’s seven working days to respond in writing,
either by producing the records or by explaining why they need a 10-day extension.
Of the 4 agencies petitioned, 4 responded in a timely manner. Three sent records in compliance with the
FOIA. Only one – the Village of Maywood - denied the request, citing “burdensome”.
The office of the village manager of Oak Park faxed the FOIA request at no charge and the Village of Forest
Park and River Forest mailed the request.
That’s not sunshine. That’s not even moonlight
The Village of Maywood cited in a letter to Journal-News they had reviewed and denied the FOIA request.
“The Village has reviewed its public records in regard to those documents sought by your FOIA request and
states that under Sec 3(f) of the Freedom of Information Act… compliance with the request would be unduly
burdensome for the complying body and there is no way to narrow the request and the burden on the public
body outweighs the public interest in the information…”
The letter also points to the village’s lack of record management. “The Village does not maintain a
document responsive to the above FOIA request” nor is the village obligated to search it public records, the
letter stated.
Considering recent Journal-News investigations into Maywood’s growing illegal housing conversion problems
and illegal tenants, and in light of the new village comprehensive plan, code violations, it would seem, should
be a top priority and made readily available to the public by village officials.
Apparently Maywood code violation FOIA requests in the past calendar year will remain a mystery, until a
change in record keeping or administration.
Freedom of information Act tips:
Here are five ways to improve your chances of getting public records;
1. Know the law. Print out a copy or pull it up online. Look for time limits, information about fees, etc. Refer to
the specific law when writing your letter, quoting from it where necessary.
2. Use e-mail or a fax machine when sending the FOIA request to cut down on mail time - plus e-mail leaves
a time-date stamp. If mailing, always use registered mail. Call when you believe the letter should have been
received to confirm receipt, and let the clock start ticking.
3. Be polite, yet firm, in writing. Appreciate the responder’s help; get the name and phone number of the
person who will be helping you. Give the responder ways to contact you with questions.
4. Log everything - all calls between you and the public body, all e-mails and all written correspondence.
5. Always appeal denials to information or fee waivers.
