Ohio Senate must restore integrity to open-records bill

Just when we thought one clear victory for the public's right to know at last would be won, along comes an obstacle that threatens to derail tougher protections for Ohioans' access to public records.
Ohio House Bill 9, a series of reforms designed to strengthen Ohio's laws on public documents, was torpedoed last week in the state House of Representatives by an eleventh-hour power play.
Republicans and Democrats alike conspired to add a last-minute change to Rep. Scott Oelslager's records' bill that would restrict release of names of people allowed to carry concealed firearms. The bill passed with the restrictions in place, restrictions that represent a move in the wrong direction for the free flow of public information in the Buckeye State.
Oelslager, a Canton Republican, said he was given only five minutes' notice that the amendment was coming. Such speedy tinkering came after foes had the bill languishing in committee for months.
Fortunately, Gov. Bob Taft says he plans to veto the bill if it reaches his desk with the newly inserted restrictions. That's why it's incumbent upon the state Senate to expunge the restrictions so that all of the work over the past year on the bill and all of the positives it promises will not be thwarted.
Praiseworthy provisions
To be sure, the merit of the legislation is evident in its key provisions:
U Mandatory public records training for local government officials throughout the state to ensure all are familiar with the intent and application of the law. Too often, public officials have feigned ignorance to block our legitimate access to public documents.
U Requirements for public offices to post records and policies and to assist the public in making requests.
U Establishment of fines for public officials for unsubstantiated delays in releasing public records.
U Establishment of a formal and informal complaint process to help expedite resolution of disputes over public records.
A disturbing trend
Last week's action that sideswiped these taut but needed protections continues the trend in our state and nation toward greater secrecy in public affairs. And even before this battle can be won, already some legislators in Columbus are dreaming up new ways to clamp down on our right to access all sorts of legitimate public records.
Under discussion are recommendations to shield economic development deals that local governments offer companies, certain documents used in executive sessions and r & eacute;sum & eacute;s of candidates for public office. Another proposal would limit access to many judicial records.
Rep. Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, vowed to take up these issues soon, "on another battlefield, on another day, in another bill."
For the short term, the Senate must focus on preserving the original integrity of Oelslager's legislation. It can do so quickly by ridding the bill of its unseemly restrictions.
For the long haul, Ohioans who champion the right to know must remain vigilant and fight those who prefer that government and its records be kept under lock and key.