ARCOLA, IL. (ECWd) –
In another act of defiance of state law, Arcola Township has once again snubbed its nose at the Freedom Of Information Act.
On April 25, at 11:38 a.m. I sent an email requesting copies of the following records:
-Copy of all credit card statements (all pages) for Jan, Feb, and Mar of 2014.
-Copy of the names of all “scholarship” recipients and copy of the checks (or other payment instruments) tendered for the “scholarship” for the past 10 years.
-Copy of any policy or criteria used to determine qualification/application procedures for the “scholarship”.
They did not respond, even though they are required by law to respond.
I know they received the email and it was opened up on their computer. I received a “read” receipt when it was opened.
So once again, I was forced to file a Request For Review with the Illinois Attorney General to force compliance with the act. The AG should respond in a couple two or three years if past experience tells me anything.
Here is what I sent to the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC);
[gview file=”https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/ArcolaDenial-4-25-2014.pdf” save=”1″]
Read all of our Arcola Township articles HERE.
9 Comments
Who's the fairest of them all
Posted at 07:26h, 10 MayMirror on the wall,would’nt it be fair to all if the Township would do what’s right and release the information asked for?Rather than do the right thing,they continue to spend tax money protecting themselves.jmkraft is correct,their defiance is proof enough that past actions and responsibility for those actions is not something the Township Board is willing to accept.
Mirror on the wall
Posted at 07:22h, 09 MayNone of this will end up good because what is being hurt is our community. So I hope everyone involved can get up every morning and look in the mirror and say I am doing the best I can for our community and know it could be over by just telling the truth and taking responsibility for my own actions.
jmkraft
Posted at 08:24h, 09 MayPrecisely why they are fighting the release of the credit card and cell phone statements – they do not want to take responsibility for their past actions.
Mr. Petty said
Posted at 19:27h, 08 MayRemember way back when this all got started lawyer Petty was heard saying “As long as I’ve got something to do with it,the information will never get out”.Up to now that statement has held up,unfortunately at the taxpayers expense.More and more people are taking notice,if the Township has nothing to hide why all the legal action,the motions to find loop holes,not to mention the legal expence.There is way more going on here than unanswered FOIA’s,just who and how much money is involved?Some in the town must be rethinking the direction of their support and why.What would make Mr. Petty say that,could it be that……
Fed Up
Posted at 07:00h, 08 MayWhat difference does it make who they send the information to. It is all public information and anyone has the right to see it. Unless this township has their own set of rules which it looks as though they do. Are the taxpayers in Arcola going to let this keep going on spending our tax dollars to fight what must be illegal activity or are we going to call bullshit and say produce those receipts everyone has the right to look at them. After all if there is nothing to hide what is the big deal?
Trojan Horse
Posted at 10:12h, 07 MayPetty is doing whatever he can to not turn over incriminating receipts. In the meantime spending taxpay dollars while lining his pocket. Fighting so hard keep this from getting out smells like a hog lot.
Kirk Allen
Posted at 06:10h, 07 MayThe reason the system is so broke is because it takes forever for the wheels of justice to move. Petty trying to have the case thrown out claiming Kraft cant file his case in the first place because he claims the FOIA was from a Corporation and not an individual. If that is the case then why did they send the documents they did have to John Kraft and not Edgar County Watchdogs? Cant have it both ways Petty!
Trojan Horse
Posted at 15:58h, 06 MayI don’t think the law breaking will completely end
It seems as though they think they are above it. I would say it’s mostly arrogance. Hope there is good news from J Kraft.
clock watcher
Posted at 06:26h, 06 Maythe law breaking should come to an end today at 3 oclock jmkraft.barring any last minute delays by petty,Arcola twp.will have to release the information they’ve been hiding.