What's New In Open Government...

A continuing series linking to reports and stories on the web about open government issues around Massachusetts. The following are stories about open government issues that appeared during the last week in February and the first week in March, 2009:

Hunter tells state board broke law

Feb. 21, 2009, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Donna Boynton

“A local hunter is asking the state attorney general and Ethics Commission to investigate whether the Conservation Commission violated the Open Meeting Law by communicating through e-mail…”

Board's E-mails Violated Open Meeting Law

Feb. 27, 2009, Media Law blog, Robert Ambrogi

Essex County DA rules Boxford Board of Health violated Open Meeting Law with use of email. Robert links to the Salem News story and the Wicked Local story.

How does one go about getting public information from our town officials?

March 3, 2009, Sudbury Watch blog, Sabo

Provides an example of a public records request letter.

Federal funds point the way

March 6, 2009, Jamaica Plains Gazette, David Taber

A story about the Jackson Square Citizens Advisory Committee excluding the press from some of its meetings. Apparently a few chosen citizens think only they should be privy to information that could affect a number of citizens. How can that be right?

Official Questions Closed Door Meeting

March 8, 2009, Media Law blog, Robert Ambrogia

Another great posting by Robert Ambrogia about a possible open meeting law violation, this time in Auburn. The story referenced was in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.