FOIFT, Author at Freedom of Information Foundation Texas

The Brownsville Herald: College president search done right

FOIFT2017-07-04T00:20:25-05:00

The Brownsville Herald Editorial Originally published July 2, 2017 We applaud Texas Southmost College trustees for their recent announcement of four finalists for the job of college president, and that they have scheduled public forums so that local residents can meet, and hear from, each of them. The TSC board is looking to fill the vacancy created last September when it dismissed Lily Tercero, who had served since 2011. Mike Shannon, the college’s vice president of student services, is serving as interim president. Board members have taken the right approach since their search for a president formally began earlier this year. [...]

The Brownsville Herald: College president search done rightFOIFT2017-07-04T00:20:25-05:00

Nominate candidates for FOI Foundation’s James Madison Award

FOIFT2017-06-26T20:56:38-05:00

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas presents its James Madison Award each year to a champion of open government and the First Amendment rights of free speech and free press. Do you know a worthy recipient? If so, make a nomination. The nomination deadline is Friday, June 30. Information and the nomination form can be found here, as well as a list of past winners. The award winner is honored at the FOI Foundation of Texas state conference, which takes place this year on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, in Austin.

Nominate candidates for FOI Foundation’s James Madison AwardFOIFT2017-06-26T20:56:38-05:00

Editorial: Abbott’s pen cut transparency like a sword

FOIFT2017-06-16T21:44:51-05:00

Corpus Christi Caller-Times Editorial Originally published June 16, 2017 With the simple act of signing his name, Gov. Greg Abbott completed a trifecta of failure by all branches of state government to defend the people's right to know. Abbott was proud of himself Thursday for vetoing 50 bills that he claimed were government overreach. One of those was House Bill 2783, regrettably the only government transparency measure to survive the 85th Legislature. HB 2783, one of the more modest of the sunshine bills introduced this session, would have allowed plaintiffs who sue a government entity for withholding public information to collect attorney fees [...]

Editorial: Abbott’s pen cut transparency like a swordFOIFT2017-06-16T21:44:51-05:00

Abbott wields heavy veto pen; Public Information Act bill among those rejected

FOIFT2017-06-16T15:16:30-05:00

By Mike Ward and Peggy Fikac San Antonio Express-News Originally published June 15, 2017 AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott’s veto total for the year hit 50 on Thursday as his staff announced a final round of vetoes of bills approved during the recently completed legislative session, including five bills by state Rep. Lyle Larson. The governor even vetoed a bill that Larson had amended. “I think it’s a lack of maturity. They can’t separate policy and politics,” Larson, R-San Antonio, said Thursday. Larson said he believed the vetoes were retribution because he had pushed a measure that would have prevented a [...]

Abbott wields heavy veto pen; Public Information Act bill among those rejectedFOIFT2017-06-16T15:16:30-05:00

Odessa American sues Odessa City Council

FOIFT2017-06-13T16:02:02-05:00

By Corey Paul Odessa American Originally published June 7, 2017 The Odessa American filed a lawsuit against the Odessa City Council on Wednesday, accusing the elected officials of violating the state law that requires most public business be conducted in public. The lawsuit alleges multiple violations related to a May 9 meeting when the City Council met for about 56 minutes behind closed doors before voting to oust the head of the board overseeing economic development sales tax money. The OA is seeking a court order to prevent future violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act by the City Council. Referencing [...]

Odessa American sues Odessa City CouncilFOIFT2017-06-13T16:02:02-05:00

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