A victory for Open Government - Beth Mason V. Hoboken

BETH MASON

Hoboken City Councilwoman   

 In Case You missed it: Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason’s Supreme Court case against the City of Hoboken for failing to provide government records in a timely manner issued the following responses:

 FROM THE STAR LEDGER, Wednesday July 23, 2008

“Justices  lay out guidelines for open records lawsuits”  

Deborah Jacobs, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey: "This is a victory for New Jersey citizens' rights to access to government information ... The ruling will help ensure that municipalities respond timely to citizens' requests for information, and makes it more likely that municipalities will be held financially liable for their improper actions or inactions."  

"Citizens are entitled to swift access to public records, and both the public and governmental bodies are logically entitled to have any disputes brought and addressed in the same, rapid manner," wrote Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. 

"The result of today's decision is a clear set of rules to govern future cases,” said Peter Verniero, a former justice. The court appears to be trying to foster open government while being fair to all sides." 

Beth Mason added: “I remain committed to fighting for the rights of the press and the public to access government records and determine how their government is operating and how public officials are spending taxpayer money.”