Open Records Assignment

The PA Open Records Assignment was a way to obtain information from local officials in the surrounding areas. First I looked and researched Pennsylvania's ranking in the Better Government Association's 2002 survey of state records law. I found that PA is number 47 on the list and that Alabama and Montana rank below.

I then looked on www.paopenrecords.org and attempted to find if the legislators in my district have signed in support of the PA Open records law. I sent e-mails to Sen. Don White and Jeff Pyle. I recieved no response from Don White but did recieve a response from Jeff Pyle. I was hoping to receive a e-mail from Don White but got nothing. I did research and found that Dave Reed, Indiana County Rep, was in support of the law.

The last piece of imformation I attempted to obtain was a copy of the contract from the superintendent of Indiana Area School District. I thought this task would be the hardest because it is hard to get any information from anyone in the school district. Surprisingly, I did get a response. I sent a letter to the Administrative Office the Monday after the assignment was given and recieved a e-mail response within a week. I was very impressed by how quickly I was able of obtain a copy of the contract. Actually, I was was just surprised that anyone responded at all!

All in all, the open records assignment was a success. I was able to get most of the information that I needed, with the exception of a response from Sen. Don White. I was really egar to hear his response regarding the Open Records Law, however, no such luck. Oh Well! I was able to get in contact with Jeff Pyle and he responded back quickly. I was happy with the outcome of the assignment.