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Editorial: Abbott’s policy on public access to chemical information illogical

2014-07-07T14:47:31-05:00

Austin American-Statesman Originally published July 6, 2014 When it comes to defending Texans’ right to know what their government is doing, state Attorney General Greg Abbott has been not just a watchdog, but a biting dog. During his political career, Abbott has demonstrated a commitment to government transparency second to no other current statewide elected official. In 2005, he was awarded the James Madison Award by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Abbott spoke these memorable words then: “Texas functions best when public officials recognize that government does not belong to them but to the people.” (To read the rest [...]

Editorial: Abbott’s policy on public access to chemical information illogical2014-07-07T14:47:31-05:00

Attorney held in contempt after challenging judge’s limit on public access to court

2014-07-03T15:53:34-05:00

By Adriana M. Chavez El Paso Times Originally published July 2, 2014 A prominent El Paso lawyer was found in contempt of court and sentenced to 30 days in jail last year after challenging a Jury Duty Court judge's efforts to limit public access to the courtroom. Stuart Schwartz, a shareholder at the ScottHulse law firm who also is a former county commissioner, served a night in jail before being freed on a personal recognizance bond. The contempt charge from Jury Duty Court Judge Jerry Woodard was later dismissed. In citing Schwartz for contempt, Woodard acknowledged he had erred on constitutional [...]

Attorney held in contempt after challenging judge’s limit on public access to court2014-07-03T15:53:34-05:00

Editorial: Kilgore College transparency threatened by records tactic

2014-07-02T20:56:28-05:00

By Longview News-Journal Originally published July 2, 2014 Kilgore College’s practice of sending every open records request to its attorney for review is almost breathtaking — and not in a good way. In an era that’s seen almost every taxpayer-funded entity in the nation looking for ways to reduce spending, this is a conscious — and utterly unnecessary — decision to spend more. The attorney who benefits from billing, at $195 per hour, to review the requests must know his services are not needed for this task. If he doesn’t, it may be time for the college to find another attorney. [...]

Editorial: Kilgore College transparency threatened by records tactic2014-07-02T20:56:28-05:00

Abbott: Ask chemical plants what’s inside

2014-07-02T14:28:40-05:00

By Jay Root The Texas Tribune Originally published July 1, 2014 Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, under fire for blocking public access to state records documenting the location of dangerous chemicals, said Texans still have a right to find out where the substances are stored — as long as they know which companies to ask. “You know where they are if you drive around,” Abbott told reporters Tuesday. “You can ask every facility whether or not they have chemicals or not. You can ask them if they do, and they can tell you, well, we do have chemicals or we don’t have [...]

Abbott: Ask chemical plants what’s inside2014-07-02T14:28:40-05:00

In whistleblower lawsuit, ex-Donna city manager claims council members cut bills for friends

2014-07-01T16:07:12-05:00

By Elizabeth Findell The Monitor Originally published July 1, 2014 Donna city leaders ordered their ex-city manager to waive city fees for friends and fired him after he notified authorities, according to claims in a lawsuit brought under the Texas Whistleblower Act this month. City Council members fired City Manager Oscar Ramirez March 31, giving no specific reasons for the dismissal. On June 12, he sued the five council members who had voted to fire him. He also sued bridge consultant Ernesto Silva. The lawsuit claims Mayor David Simmons, Councilmen Joey Garza and Simon Sauceda and ex-Councilwoman Irene Muñoz had given [...]

In whistleblower lawsuit, ex-Donna city manager claims council members cut bills for friends2014-07-01T16:07:12-05:00

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