Public records: Your right to know.

Since its inception in late August, this web site has featured a link to Fruitland's map resources, i.e. master plan figures, land use, zoning maps. These maps were created by a consultant at taxpayer expense and were, as required by law and by Fruitland policy, public record and available for inspection via the Internet. This site was open to the public until mid-September, when suddenly, it required a user name and password. I have been trying to find out why and finally got my answer.

On Friday, November 10, Township Clerk, Janell Beard, told me that the consultant who hosts the map site decided to password-protect it because I posted a link to his site without asking his permission. She stated that he hosted the map site "out of the goodness of his heart" and did not charge the Township for this extra service. She implied that, because I took advantage of his generosity, residents lost their access to the site.

Well, I contacted the consultant, Mike Jensen, and asked him why he password-protected his site. He told me that Clerk Beard contacted him and instructed him to do so. He said that he created the site so that it would be easy for people to view the maps (printing them is costly) and did not know why the clerk wanted to restrict public access. He said he had "no problem" with me linking to his site and that there would be no additional charge to the Township if I did so. Many of you will find these maps very interesting and helpful, especially as you review the Comprehensive Plan, which will be the subject of a public hearing in January. So, with his permission, I give you the following:

Web site link: Fruitland Township Map Resources

User name: fruitlandtwp

Password: 1210$CGFTWP

Why is this important?

Well, someone's not telling the truth. I believe in the honesty and integrity of Mr. Jensen. The law governing the availability of book and other writings to the public states that "writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the township clerk in the performance of an official function shall be made available to the public in compliance with Act No. 442 of the Public Acts of 1976." This requirement provides no discretionary clause or any other means for the clerk to decide what you get to see and what you don't. If it's public record, you have the right to see it, period.

What is even more disturbing to me, however, is that our clerk mislead me. I requested the user name and password in my official capacity as Trustee and Chair of the Planning Commission, and was denied. The maps are a crucial component of the Comprehensive Plan and I need that information to prepare for the public hearing. When pressed, the clerk said she was "very busy" and would try to get back with me next week with the information.

This exchange, unfortunately, represents a pattern of behavior from our clerk. She treats information like a weapon and she alone decides who sees what and when. Well, this behavior will no longer be tolerated. The voters have spoken. And I will speak on your behalf at the next board meeting and ask the clerk to explain.