Sunshine survey. This is “Sunshine Week,” which celebrates the importance of transparency in watchdog activities, so I’m continuing to watch relevant stories, along with everything else in the good government world. The SouthtownStar reports that a progressive think tank in Washington considers the federal Freedom of Information Act process “unwieldy and inefficient.” The Center for American Progress says that Obama administration “has the right policy (but) the problem is the implementation.” Also in the Southtown, a story suggesting the FOIA process locally is cumbersome, but necessary. BGA agrees.
- Sunshine siege. Illinois Statehouse News reports on controversy over Senate Bill 2203, which would give local government more time to comply with FOIA requests and charge citizens for filing them. BGA says the system is just fine the way it is now.
- Sunshine slam. The Trib Local reports the Illinois Attorney General’s office has found the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission in violation of the Open Meetings Act for conducting business via email instead of in public.
- Housing hustle. The Chicago Reporter says that residents of the Lathrop Homes, a public housing development on Chicago’s North Side, are calling for a moratorium on demolition until public housing officials have listened to their concerns about being dislodged.
- Runoff referee. Chicagoist reports on an interesting development in Chicago’s 46th Ward, where James Cappleman and Molly Phelan are in a runoff for retiring Ald. Helen Shiller’s seat. Shiller’s been a target of both candidates, but she is still willing to moderate a forum later this month.
