WILD SKY: Ignored Public Information Requests

(made to the City of Sultan for Ed Hussman-distributed John Phipps-to-Jennifer Dunn letter Distributed during the 3/23 council meeting)

I included my phone number in each request. I asked for an electronic confirmation of receipt We have received no response whatsoever. By state law, a public entity must either fulfill the records request, or advise the requestor of a delay (along with an estimated date of fulfillment), or a written explanation of a denial to fulfill the request. The City has been extremely slow in fulfilling public info requests over the last 18 months or so, and in many cases has simply ignored our requests. They are begging for a lawsuit to force compliance. Yet, when and if we file, they will express shock and awe, and council members will no doubt “spin” our actions by painting the city as the injured party. (On the bright side of things, Public Works Director Connie Dunn recently responded to an email request for a clarification of her statements in the 4/13 council meeting related to the number of sewer connections remaining; it was fast, with a one-day turn-around and extremely thorough, offering me a detailed explanation which totally clarified my confusion.)

Follow-up emailed request sent April 17, 2005 to Laura Koenig:

Subject: Wild Sky

Laura,

This is yet another request that you confirm that you have received my public information request (dated 4/7) shown below.

Thank you,

Loretta Storm

Copies to: Ben Tolson, Thom Graafstra, Rick Cisar

Follow-up sent Friday, April 8, 2005 (11:33) to Laura Koenig:

Subject: Fwd: Wild Sky Resolution - Public Info Request

Laura, Would you please send me a confirmation that you received this request? Thank you.

Loretta

Original Request for Phipps’ letter, Thursday, April 7^, 2005 (15:47) to Laura Koenig:

Date: Thu, 07 Apr 2005 15:47:18 -0700

Subject: Wild Sky Resolution - Public Info Request

Copy to: Tolson Ben, Cisar Rick

Bcc: "Town, Mike" <MTown@lwsd.org>, tom@wawild.org

Dear Laura,

I am requesting a copy of a letter that Ed Hussman distributed to all council members during the March 23rd meeting during the public comment period. The letter was authored by John Phipps (Forest Service) to Jennifer Dunn within which it was quoted that $18 million dollars would have to be spent decommissioning the roads in the proposed Wild Sky area.

I will bring in an official City of Sultan public information request form for this item as soon as you advise me it is ready for pick-up.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Loretta