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Monday, November 06, 2006

Ind. Gov't. - Public access counselor Davis featured in LCJ

"Counselor keeps government accessible: She makes records, meetings public" is the headline to this story by Lesley Stedman Weidenbener in today's Louisville Courier Journal. Some quotes:

"It is very evident to me that but for my intercession or guidance, records may well not be given out or meetings may well be held in executive session that wouldn't be proper," [Indiana public-access counselor Karen] Davis said. "You can see that on a daily basis."

But Davis' opinions are only advisory. State law doesn't require any government entity to obey. Still, most of the time, they seem to take her advice.

Marian Pearcy, the immediate past president of the Indiana Coalition for Open Government, thinks it's time the state gives Davis more clout.

"It's not her fault that the agencies don't have to (comply). She doesn't have the law behind her," Pearcy said. "It was a great breakthrough when we started the public-access counselor (position), but now it's time we take another look at it." * * *

Davis said she tries to dispassionately weigh the requests or complaints she receives.

"I have no fealty toward the media, the public or a government agency," Davis said. "And politics doesn't enter to it. I just look to the law."

And although her position is a gubernatorial appointment, Davis hasn't been afraid to take on the administration. She has issued opinions finding fault with the governor's office and with his agencies. She has also found in their favor in some cases.

Regardless, Davis said, she doesn't have to worry about her job. That's because the public-access counselor serves a four-year term that is staggered with that of governors.

Her term will expire June 30, 2007.

"That's the benefit of the statute," Davis said. "I don't have to worry whether a decision is going to be unpopular."

Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 6, 2006 06:24 AM
Posted to Indiana Government