“1984” should be required studying in Boston City Hall.
Especially this passage: “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
George Orwell, arguably historical past’s pre-eminent political pundit, would spit out his espresso studying the Herald’s protection of Boston’s excuse for refusing to provide public information requests.
The metropolis’s information workplace cited its personal inaction in closing 221 public information requests in complete, the town now says, going again to March 29, 2021. Yes, some have been from the Herald however others have been from metropolis taxpayers.
The public-records workplace, led by its chief Shawn Williams, cited “not recent activity” as a purpose to disclaim information requests. He is paid $107,343 yearly, payroll information present — up from $89,519 in 2017 — to say his personal lack of “action” is value rejecting a request.
He has earned a virtually 20% increase in 5 quick years to apologize, we left your request in a pile lengthy sufficient to declare “no action.” I ponder in the event that they transfer that pile, is it motion?
Stating no current exercise as a purpose to spike information requests is an insult to hard-working Boston residents who’ve reputable questions you possibly can’t usually discover solutions to with out in search of public information.
It’s the legislation! Chapter 66, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws, in case Shawn Williams wants a refresher course.
The introduction to the state’s public information legislation states that “mandating the disclosure of public records have existed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 1851.”
A information to the legislation additional states: “The founding fathers of our nation strove to develop an open government formed on the principles of democracy and public participation. An informed citizen is better equipped to participate in that process.”
In protection of Shawn Williams, since he didn’t reply to a name from this editorial author, he could also be hitting a wall with metropolis departments who might also not share within the spirit of what public information legal guidelines stand for.
If so, this one falls on Mayor Michelle Wu. It is just unacceptable for Boston to be in lockdown.
Wu’s administration informed the Herald the mayor admits the town has “work to do” and that features hiring to enhance the public-records response. The metropolis has burdened that transparency, which Wu campaigned on, is a prime precedence.
If that’s nonetheless true, Mayor Wu must march into the general public information workplace and sit down and begin transferring these piles round. Specifically, responding to the information requests and put up them for all to see.
Sunshine, as they are saying, is the very best disinfectant.
The secretary of state’s workplace, which homes the general public information supervisor, stated Boston’s response is “unacceptable.”
Mayor Wu wants to indicate she is in cost. Being a mayor comes with arduous work. Let the Elizabeth Warrens of the world spout high-minded beliefs and lofty plans as she prepares for an additional quixotic run for president.
Boston has at all times wanted mayors who aren’t afraid of getting their palms soiled. Say what you’ll about Mayors Thomas Menino and Marty Walsh, each knew instinctively that the trash needed to be picked up, the police and hearth departments correctly staffed, the faculties stable and the town open to the wants of its residents.
That should embody working arduous on public information requests. If Shawn Williams doesn’t need to do the job, then go discover another person who will. I’m certain Boston might fill that slot at $100,000-plus a 12 months with regular raises sooner than any of the information requests being ignored.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”