Jackson Free Press

April 26, 2006

We are the watchers, our eyes fixed on the halls of power. Democracy means majority rule, but we live in a republic of laws. Whether I vote for a Republican or a Democrat, (and if we had more democracy, we could choose between more than two), I expect all to follow the rules.

That means no bribes, even if they're legalized as campaign contributions. We cannot stop it, but we have every right to watch it, to witness what money does in the public's name. It means that meetings are open to the public unless there is very good reason to keep them private. It means that we have the right to know what our leaders make for serving us, what titles they claim. We have the right to know where they went to school, why they're qualified for the job. This is our community. Crime statistics, city contracts, gun permits; all belong to us, and anyone who makes public records a secret steals from our democracy.

Under the Mississippi Open Records Act of 1983, state, county and city governments are required to disclose information unless there is good reason to keep it private. The law allows governments 14 working days to respond to requests. There are exemptions, including medical examiner reports, case files of the Worker's Compensation Commission and personnel records.

This link, Jackson Public Records Request, will lead you to a .pdf. To make an information request, fill out the form. You do not need fancy credentials, because anyone can make an information request. Take the form to City Hall in downtown Jackson. You will have to pass through a metal detector, so leave your brass knuckles in the car. You will also have to sign a log book, which is perfectly fine, because you're going inside to take a look at their logs. The city clerk's office is immediately inside, across from the City Council chamber. The clerk will take your form, stamp it and make a photocopy for you. From that date, the city has 14 working days to respond. Weekends and holidays don't count. If you would like to make an open records request and have other questions, please post and we will provide whatever information we can.

Previous Comments

ID

172191

Comment

I think a good place to start is with our Hinds County Board of Supervisors who have meetings that are closed to the public.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-04-27T08:57:32-06:00

ID

172192

Comment

Pikersam, Are all the meetings closed to the public, or are some meetings held in "Executive Session"? There are exemptions in both the open records act and the open meetings act. When a body is discussing their strategy in a law suit, for instance, that body has the right to executive session. From what do they exclude the public?

Author

Brian Johnson

Date

2006-04-28T20:33:13-06:00

ID

172193

Comment

My understanding is that the regular meeting they hold are not open to the public. They may allow invited guest? I may be wrong? I did look at the minutes from Feb. and no mention of any guest besides the minister who held prayer before the meeting and the staff.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-04-28T21:16:39-06:00