Knowledge is everything and everything in Florida is a public record request away. You only need to ask and you can find interesting information that never makes it into the pages of your favorite newspaper. (You might even be able to tell reporters they have been too absent-minded to find out themselves.)
Think about it. Ask for any records of any government official, either an elected official or senior public official, I think they have 30 days to produce the records. Use this sample letter as a starting point, make sure your request is as specific as possible. Including dates is helpful. If you are not specific you might end up with a room with 50 boxes in it.
Here is a sample letter:
Dear Commissioner XX:
I am a Miami Dade County Resident and this is a public records request. I would like to examine your daily calendar for the past 12 months. I would like to see email of XXXXX from date to another date. I would also like to see all (and whatever it is you want to see.)
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. Please let me know when I can come in and examine this information.
ME
Public Records Requests are very easy — most can be done by email. But some will make you send a letter. Government in the sunshine is a beautiful thing, so long as it lasts.
8 comments:
Excellent idea! It is a wonder why more concerned citizens (and the media) do not take advantage of public records. Even if you were to go on a "fishing expedition" every now and then, you never know what you might catch.
<2> Are you kidding me? I requested payroll records on Seijas' Chief of Staff, Terry Murphy, for the period he spent working on her campaign at the polls. Since 12/23/06 I telephoned her office and Delvis, one of her assistants, told me someone would contact me immediately. I'm still waiting for that call! Do you believe the commissioners will comply with the law? Welcome to the Land of Oz!!!
<2> My mistake! The date of my request to Delvis was 12/13/06 not 12/23/06.
submit your public records request to the county attorney and the ethics commission
In the County, I believe all the records requests are handled through the Communications Department.
You need to address your request to:
Paula Musto, Director
Miami-Dade Communications Department
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 N.W. 1st Street, Suite 2510
Miami, Florida 33128
305 375-3879
Musto@miamidade.gov
I have no idea about cities.
<2> I contacted Ethics, the Mayor, Seijas' office as well as the Communications Dept. w/o any positive results. The latter informed me it handles ONLY requests from the media. I'll try the County Attorney next, but I gave this as an example of how difficult it is for an ordinary citizen to obtain public records from the County.
Dear readers:
You can write to the county manager. He sends your request to the the county attorney who makes the arrangements. I always CC a few people so there is a record. CC the mayor on your public records request or Harvey Ruvin.
Generally I think you should make as big a pain in the ass of yourself with the people you don't like and the bonus: You might find something juicy. If not, at the least, you have just been annoying.
If you are viewing Natacha's records (remember she doesn't have email) know that she will be in the room with you saying annoying stuff to you and being nasty. Bring a tape recorder and an actual lawyer if you have one handy. But do public records requests. They are healthy to our government.
A number of years ago I made a public records request of Jimmy Morales's office for copies of petions and could only obtain them after filing a suit in circuit court five months later. Commissioners ignore public records requests if they do not like them even if the law says you are entitled to those records.
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