Watchdog calls rules cited by Walker administration improper

Source: Associated Press

Watchdog calls rules cited by Walker administration improper
Published: December 14, 2015

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin open government group filed a complaint Monday against the state's Public Records Board, saying it improperly approved changes that Gov. Scott Walker's administration has used to deny requests for text messages and records of visits to the governor's mansion.

Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, said the group has been "troubled by the broad application" of the board's action, which included changing the definition of "transitory records."

"I don't think it's clear the board intended to give the Walker administration authority to destroy text messages and a visitor's log at will," he said.

The complaint alleges the board didn't provide sufficient notice of the content of its August meeting and that members didn't record motions or roll call votes. "They didn't go about this right," Lueders said.

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