Really. The Most Transparent Governor Ever?
81% Failure Rate-
State Executives Ignore Open Meeting Law
Leaders of state agencies, Gov. Quinn’s appointed executives failed to comply with mandatory Open Meeting Act training or blatantly ignored
our request to review their certifications.
100% Failure Rate at 17 top Agencies
Freedom of Information Officer Certification
The Political “Safe Breakers” Foiled
Attorney General Lisa Madigan has 820 employees and but not one is assigned to hold state government accountable to the Open Meetings and Open Records (FOIA) law?
Of 41 agencies listed on Attorney General Madigan’s website, only 8 of Quinn’s appointed agency executives were in compliance with Open Meeting certification.
Six more of Quinn’s agencies blatantly ignored the Freedom of Information Act request.
Here’s an example of agency non-compliance:
Why the Open Meetings Act is Important:
Illinois has a historic “Tammany Hall,” New York City style problem of the “smoke filled back room.” The Open Meetings Act opens up that “sausage making machine”:
1. Agendas are posted inviting citizens and giving notice regarding purpose and topics.
2. The public is invited to give comment and share thoughts.
3. After the meeting, minutes and notes are public record. Who was present? What was discussed? What were the decisions?
If state government is not in compliance with Open Meetings, why should any of the other 7,000 governments in Illinois comply?
Why have laws if they are not enforced but instead willfully disregarded?It’s time the Illinois press weighed in on these basic issues of open records and open meetings.
ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI
SUMMER INTERNS
If you are interested in a summer internship or regular volunteer opportunity, please respond to this email ASAP.
Special Thank you to Kirk Allen and John Kraft for research, filing and tabulating agency responses.
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