Ohio attorney general creates public-records mediation program

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has launched a program intended to iron out public-records disputes between citizens and local governments before they wind up in court.

The Public Records Mediation Program that kicked off today is open to any party in the dispute, whether the requestor of the records or the city, county, school district or other local entity that’s holding them.

Both parties must consent for the mediation to go forward.

DeWine has assigned members of his public-records unit to handle the negotiations.

He said the idea is to resolve disputes alleging records are being improperly denied or delayed before they lead to costly, time-consuming litigation.

The website is http://www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/PublicRecordsMediation