Freedom of Access Act gives Mainers variety of benefits

1:00 AM

By Kelley Bouchard kbouchard@mainetoday.com Staff Writer

Mainers who have trouble getting information from government agencies soon will have an ally at the State House.

Maine's Freedom of Access Act now includes these clarifications and additions:

Gov. Paul LePage and the Legislature this year funded a public access ombudsman's position in the Attorney General's Office. The position was created in 2007 but had never been filled.

It's one of several significant changes in the state's Freedom of Access Act that took effect Thursday and are expected to make it easier for Mainers to get public records.

Mal Leary, vice president of the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition, called the move to finally fund the ombudsman's position "a huge improvement." Lawmakers budgeted as much as $88,000 for the position, including salary and benefits.

"This person will be there for everyone, to hear right-to-know issues so people don't have to go to court," said Leary, who runs Capitol News Service. "That can be a daunting prospect, especially in these economic times."

The Attorney General's Office soon will name a lawyer to fill the ombudsman's position, said Linda Pistner, chief deputy attorney general. The opening was advertised internally and to district attorneys offices across the state. Three people applied and interviews were conducted.

See the original post:
Freedom of Access Act gives Mainers variety of benefits