In November, the Illinois attorney general ruled that emails and phone messages by public officials about public business are subject to disclosure even when they are on private cellphones or in private email or computers. Whether something is public, the opinion stated, depends on the content, not how it's communicated.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-05/news/ct-met-open-meetings-1205-20111205_1_public-officials-instant-messages-public-access-advocates
30 comments:
Lois, should we tap the cell phones of those chosen elected officials? And track who goes where? And what they ordered at the deli? Then we can go by their homes and see what political sign they have in their yard. And where they shop for groceries. Who cares?
Lois, are you telling us that this is how business is being conducted in Peru, or is this just a FYI?
9:57 AM
Yes possibly, probably don't know any better. Unless you research the law, you might believe it is OK. Please read the article I posted.
Maybe we should start to FOIA e-mails? when something is decided on by our city officials and not sure it was ever discussed then ask if it was decided or chatted about through electronic sources. If they say no, then FOIA E- mails on the topic. Maybe start with industrial electric rates. I was at last nights meeting and it sure seemed like some officials new more of what was going on then others. More back room deals going on? I thought those days were over. does anyone know if Alderman Perez's contact info? I'll start with him.
FYI: Last night's meeting video is already posted but last week's is not. ??????
9:20 Maybe you don't care, but there are those who do care about the way this administration is handling the day to day operations of the city. The blatant disregard for the taxpayer is embarrassing to say the least. The treatment of the two aldermen who are there for the taxpayers is a shame. If you do not care that is fine, but your sarcastic tone is uncalled for as Lois is just trying to get information out to the citizens.
Phone tapping, I like it. Brings back those Watergate days.
Emails have been requested in the past by press. None were sent, but it was not refused. The assumption was that none were sent regarding the matter in question.
City officials must be careful in discussing city business to comply with transparency law. Filing and recording paper and email correspondence is a requirement. The rules and laws are only difficult for the feeble minded.
So, of course, the City of Peru should have no problems complying.
What is more important is that I believe the republicans presented a bill in the State that union contract negotiations can no longer occur in closed sessions.
I would imagine if e-mail correspondence regarding city business was between at least two of those aldermen or Alderwoman and the mayor? We would get a response.
In my opinion Mayszak and Perez can be trusted not to hide FOIA information from us.
Besides the security risk, this was one of the concerns about President Obama using a smart phone.
As far as the City goes, every email sent and received needs to be archieved and subject to the FOIA. This also applies to officials using thier private e-mail account to correspond with the public.
Incorrect 3:39. Not every message. While you are generally correct there is still private correspondence that may take place between two parties that is exempt from FOIA. You cannot just FOIA all e-mails. You have to FOIA for a specific purpose. Not a big deal but I wanted to clarify that as with any workplace some private correspondence may take place and that does not mean you have a right to see it. Employers perhaps, but that is not the same as FOIA.
As a Baker supporter, I think he suffered from poor preparation or maybe he let it slip that the questions where leaked and he got the wrong memo. Anyway, I may be changing my vote to:
Giordano (X)
mainly due to his closing statement, both regarding Mr. Hart's lack of private experience and his proposition to use Mayor Baker in an advisory role.
7:14 PM
I was impressed with Giordano until his last statement, using Baker as a play for votes and not using the final statements for their intended purpose.
Lois, I agree!! My husband and I kept saying Jim G. Was sounding very impressive. His last comment about Baker sunk him.
Hart for Mayor. Scott Harl lied through his teeth.
Geordano is nothing more than a vote splitter bought and paid for by the Baker clan.
7:16. How much experience did Scott Harl bring to the table when he was elected mayor?
Can they use carrier pigeons or smoke signals?
Ok, where is proof and verification on the 10:45 comment? Someone would have to have it if the post actually got through.
Although the IML thread with so many posts had so many lies, hearsay and gossip about everything but the IML conference why should we start caring about truth now?
I have a suggestion about the IML convention and the attendees.
First they know what conferences they each plan to attend, announce them ahead of time and make plans to give a brief summary at the next council meeting. All money spent is verified by the invoices posted and received through a foia. Since we the taxpayers are paying for your fun and food and rooms, please be appreciative of your freebies. I don't know of any type of business that would allow their employees to get away with what our city officials do. Be honest and upfront and the rumors that you say exist will have no basis because the truth is the truth.
@4:21 Lois, you are correct. THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH- and I will repeat that. THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH. LIES EVENTUALLY CATCH UP WITH THE PERSON TELLING THEM. Imagine the can of worms that would get opened if e-mail correspondences were seen.
Why would anyone support Giordano when he says that he would hire Baker for advice and Baker isn't able to listen to a question and understand enough to know what PREPARED ANSWER to READ? Hart for mayor!
Mayszak(x) Vote for the alderman that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does Alderman Mayszak have a opposing candidate running against her in the upcoming election? If so, who is it?
Mike Radtke is running against Mayszak.
Mayszak (X)
Mayszak(x)
Mayzak(x)
Mayszak (x)
Mayszak(X)
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