[LFC Comments:  We applaud the efforts of the Cleveland Jewish News for their actions against the City of Beachwood for violation of the public records law.  We will be following this case, and will report on the ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court.  Transparency is needed for good government.  Without it, the sinful nature of man will corrupt our system of governance.]

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https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/cjpc-sues-city-of-beachwood-law-director-for-public-records/article_12acaa1c-cd1b-11ea-847f-8fa372a6c863.html#utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Public Records Law is Vital for Open Government

The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company has filed a lawsuit in the Ohio Supreme Court against the city of Beachwood and its law director, Diane Calta, for violations of the state’s Sunshine Law, which determines records available to the public.

The lawsuit, filed July 22, claims the city and Calta have repeatedly, over five months denied access to public records the Cleveland Jewish News is legally entitled to based on public records law.

The records sought involve documentation and communication about a settlement the city made with an employee in response to the employee’s complaints regarding Mayor Martin S. Horwitz’s conduct.

The lawsuit, filed July 22, claims the city and Calta have repeatedly, over five months denied access to public records the Cleveland Jewish News is legally entitled to based on public records law.

The records sought involve documentation and communication about a settlement the city made with an employee in response to the employee’s complaints regarding Mayor Martin S. Horwitz’s conduct.

“These actions are taking place behind closed doors, where journalists cannot go,” CJPC Board Chair David R. Hertz II said. “In such instances, journalists request the public records that will offer insights into how money is spent, which employees are disciplined, even the content of public officials’ communications.

“In truth, journalists are no different than anyone else. They are not entitled to information that is withheld from others. But it is the responsibility of journalists to seek out information that shines light on the actions of government. Good journalism utilizes public information to illuminate the actions of our governmental entities, expose abuses of power and detail other wrongdoing.”  (emphasis added by LFC)

When reached by the CJN on July 23, Horwitz said, “I am not aware of a lawsuit, so I really can’t comment right now.”

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Categories: Community Activism, Uncategorized

Tags: FT