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Brenna Findley Calls on AG Miller to Stop Stonewalling |
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Charging media for access to emails in the Dept. on Aging situation hurts public access to information
DEXTER, Iowa – Attorney General candidate Brenna Findley of Dexter called on AG Miller to stop stonewalling and to enforce Iowa’s Open Meetings Open Records law in a fair, nonpolitical manner. Recently, a developing story relating to the Iowa Department on Aging has revealed allegations of muzzled employees and violations of federal law. The Department is now asserting that they have a right to charge the media by the hour for deliberations as to whether each government email at issue must be disclosed to the media.
The Des Moines Register reports that under Governor Culver, state agencies began charging up to $40 an hour to “weigh” whether public records would be released to concerned citizens and members of the media. According to the Register, this policy is supported by Attorney General Miller.
“There are serious questions about whether the law allows the Attorney General to impose these fees on concerned citizens. Iowa taxpayers are already paying for their government. I don’t think taxpayers should have to pay twice when they request public records that they are entitled to under law. It is time for a new crew in the AG’s office because AG Miller has forgotten that he works for you—the taxpayers.”
Recent political developments illustrate that Iowans are ready for change in the AG’s office. On the last campaign finance report, Findley raised $124,077.80 from over 700 donors on her May report, eight times more her opponent Tom Miller. This strong showing demonstrates her broad base of support and that Iowans are clamoring for an AG who will serve Iowans.
“We are just getting started,” said Findley. “People are ready for new blood in the AG’s office, and we will continue to work hard to bring openness and accountability to Des Moines as we shine the light of day on state government.”
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