HB-1041: Towards more accessable records

If you've ever been involved in development issues and needed to get your hands on related documents, you may have noticed a stark difference between the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County. Requests made with the city will net you a quick response that typically included detailed documents via email. On the other hand, the same request made to Larimer County will generally receive the response, "you must come in during office hours to get that information," a restriction that makes access nearly impossible for busy people.

State Senator John Kefalas seeks to stop those who defy the intent of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). His bill will force governments to fulfill requests, without requiring in-person visits. We commend Senator Kefalas for his efforts.

However, it's disappointing to hear that a Republican effort to add fee limits to the bill was soundly defeated. There is a growing trend among local governments to charge exorbitant fees for open records requests. If unchecked, this direction may bar the gates of "open door" government.

It's unclear why the attempt to add fee limits failed. Nonetheless, expanding access through the removal of in-person restrictions is a decisive step in the right direction. So, ask your legislators to support this HB-1041. In addition, encourage them to immediately follow this up with a bill that addresses limits to open records request fees.

Update - March 8, 2013:
Gov. Hickenlooper signed into law.

References:

• HB13-1041 - Concerning Procedures Govering the Transmission of Public Records that are Copied In Response to a Request for Inspection of Such Records Under the "Colorado Open Requests Act"
• Colorado lawmakers poised to expand open records access, but won't address fees, The Republic, by Kristen Wyatt, February 25, 2013
• Transparency trouble, Boulder Weekly, by Jefferson Dodge and Steve Weishampel, February 14, 2013

Larimer County's Ozone Crisis

The American Lung Association gives Larimer County an "F"

According to the American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report card, Larimer County scores an "F" for ozone levels. The score comes along with the statement, ""If you live in Larimer County, the air you breathe may put your health at risk."

Ozone levels have been on the rise since 2010 and according the the Larimer' Community Health Assessment summary, there are no plans to address it.

According to the EPA:

"Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our health. Even relatively low levels of ozone can cause health effects.  People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors may be particularly sensitive to ozone.

"Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue."

This is an issue we need to address, before it gets out of hand. If this concerns you, contact your Larimer County Commissioners (bocc@co.larimer.co.us) and the Larimer County Board of Health (boh@co.larimer.co.us) and let them know you want a plan to address rising ozone levels in Larimer County.

Visit the EPA's website for more information related to the health effects of ground level ozone.

Fort Collins attempts literature ban at City Hall

City Council considered curtailing the distribution of literature at City Hall.

City Hall has always been a place for civic engagement. Engaged citizens often share ideas and literature in the lobby outside of the City Council Chambers and civility has rarely been an issue. Yet on February 5, 2012, an item came up on the agenda to curb this exchange between active citizens. The policy revision reads, "Public distribution of fliers or other literature other than to the City Council or City staff is not permitted in City Hall" -- which begs the question, why now?

Activists got a surprise when Scott Hall, CEO of the only oil & gas operator in Fort Collins, stood among many of his fracking opponents and expressed sincere appreciation for the civility of citizen participation at council meetings.(Scott's dialogue is 2:33-4 into the February 2, 2013 City Council video.) Scott's plea, along with the written and verbal pleas of other citizens resulted in the ultimate defeat of this resolution.

Be sure to view the full resolution.