The Fisher Case - Ohio Supreme Court

Ohio Constitution

The Daily Standard - July 10, 2004
View Scanned published letter.

Be persistent in demand for public records

I just wanted to thank The Daily Standard fur running the series on the Sunshine Law. I think it is vital to the health of the community that people know what information they have a right to see. Even though it is public by law and Mercer County scored perfect in the AP poll. Don't expect everything to be served on a silver platter. You may still have to put in a little time an persistance.

Ohio Sunshine Laws Update
The Public Records Act
Open Meetings Act
Website | PDF of 2006 Book

I had wanted to get a copy of a frivolous domestic disturbance report filed on me this weekend. After requesting a summary of all information pulled up by my name and social security number, to check for other such reports. I noticed only one entry was blanked out, including the date.

This I assumed was the information I had come to get. After a few questions I was informed that line was blacked out to protect the identity of the suspect. Even though I was the suspect. I asked for a copy of that report, and was denied. Stating I could not have it because the suspect was never charged.

After examining the Sunshine Law, I returned to speak with the chief of police. Thankfully, he was available promptly. I asked him for a copy of the blacked out report, with little discussion, he disappeared from the lobby. After a 45-minute wait, he emerged with the report, dotted with black lines. The suspect's identity must be protected, not the report as a whole. I have to fill in my name to make it make sense, but at least I know the content of the report.

Don't stop at your first denial or your second or third, public records are public. Get yourself a copy of the sunshine law and exert your rights. If we want to protect our rights, we are going to have to learn them and use them.

Paul D. Fisher
Celina
419-305-3937

Society of Professional Journalists - Ohio Sunshine Project

Ohio Attorney General - Sunshine Law Website