The village board reacted by signing a
letter
on village letterhead disparaging her civic activity and sent it to other government bodies in the region (including the Attorney General's office), state lawmakers, and media outlets.
The letter
claims that the resident has cost the village over $144,000 and 1,100 staff hours, without offering evidence. It also possibly damages the resident's reputation by revealing personal information.
Ben Silver defended the resident's rights to lawful public participation as guaranteed by the FOIA and Constitutional rights. He emphasized in his public comment before the Village of Wheeling Board, "The Freedom of Information Act emphatically states that it is the public policy of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information about government affairs, actions, and policies so that the people fulfill their civic duties to monitor government and make informed judgements... The law does provide multiple ways that a local government can manage requests that otherwise could result in inordinate costs or the use of excessive government resources... What the law does not provide is that a local government should attempt to publicly shame and disparage a resident, who in the government's opinion submits too many Freedom of Information Requests."
Despite the village's actions, the resident continues to question her elected officials on possible misuses of power. She is the embodiment of "government for the people, by the people, and for the people." CAC commends her persistence in the face of adversity.
At CAC, our mission is to strengthen the public voice-- your voice: We are dedicated to strengthening the citizenry's capacities, resources, and institutions for self-governance. If need be, CAC will be making more public comments regarding the issue.
|
