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September 29, 2012

Public records seminar coming

By Nate Smith Washington Times-Herald

WASHINGTON — On Oct. 9, the public can learn how to obtain public records and attend government meetings when the annual Public Access Seminar series stops in Washington.

The seminar, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the City Council chambers, 200 Harned Ave., is held around the state and trains citizens, government officials and attorneys on state laws concerning public records and open meetings.

The seminars are sponsored statewide by the Indiana Attorney General’s office, the Indiana Public Access Counselor’s office and the Hoosier State Press Association. The Times Herald is sponsoring the local seminar.

“The Times Herald is excited about hosting this seminar because we believe the public’s right to know is important,” Times Herald General Manager Melody Brunson said. “We would encourage everyone who has a stake in the public’s interests to attend.”

During the seminar, experts discuss the rights of the public and the responsibilities of government officials under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and the Indiana Open Door Law. A group of panelists will also discuss House Enrolled Act 1003, the law passed this year that imposes fines on certain public officials who withhold public records or deny access to meetings up to $500 for multiple violations.

The panelists scheduled to appear on Oct. 9 are: Joe Hoage, Indiana Public Access Counselor; Deputy Attorney General Anne Mullin O’Connor; and Steve Key, executive director and general counsel of the HSPA.

“Accountability is a key to a functioning democracy. The state’s public access laws give citizens the ability to know what government officials and employees are doing or contemplating with taxpayer dollars,” Key said in a release.

In addition to explaining the public access laws, the panelists will provide examples of how public records requests should be initiated by citizens and addressed by officials and attorneys. A question session will close the seminar.

The seminar is free of charge and attorneys can qualify for two hours of free Continuing Law Education credits by registering at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2840.htm, or calling (317) 233-6143.

Additional seminar sites are scheduled for Oct. 4 in Portland, Oct. 17 in Corydon and Nov. 14 in Greenfield.

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