I had an assignment for my Journalism 220 class in which I had to find certain records regarding my home town. I had to write a letter to my county representative requesting information on different topics. The first step of my assignment was to find the representatvie for my county. This part of the assignment was very difficult because I couldn't find the information I needed. I had to search the website for a long period of time until I found the information I was looking for. For my county, Bucks County my representative was Paul Clymer.

After I found out that information I then went on the find out how to reach Mr. Clymer. I discovered his address and telephone number.

The next part of my assignment was to ask for PA open records regarding my county. Out of a list of three different topics I selected the one requesting documents on how much money was spent on legal fees by my county for the year 2006. I sent out my letter hoping for a response in ten days.

Ten days came and passed and I recieved no response letter. After the time limit had passed I had a follow up phone call regarding my letter, but got no answer.

Although I recieved no response this assignment taught me a lot. I never knew that I had an opportunity to view records regarding my county. I now know that as a citizen I have as much right to view these laws as the people in office. This won't be the last time I take advantage of the PA Open Records Law.