Letters from the editors: Public records are just that

by Diane Derby, VT Digger – Opinion, February 19, 2024

Simply put, Vermont’s public records law is intended to ensure that the public — and thereby reporters — have access to documents produced by state or local governments. The law is clear in its intent to ensure that public records remain open and accessible for inspection. It is no accident that the Legislature passed the state’s first public records law following Watergate.

It seems that some state agencies would want to turn the law on its head, using it as a shield to deny reporters timely access to what should be readily available public information. Rather than just answer a straightforward question posed by a reporter, they force the reporter to file a formal request — slowing the process and depriving readers of illuminating information.