YOU’D BE forgiven if you’d assumed the chairman of the state’s Public Defender Commission was a lawyer. Jerry Larkowski has the professional’s insouciance toward what the rest of us may approach carefully, very carefully, even with a certain fear and trembling, knowing that the law is capital-I Important-something not only to be respected but in a way revered. Contrast that attitude with Mr. Larkowski’s response when the press-notably our own Sarah D. Wire-caught him tip-toeing around the state’s Freedom of Information law. Or rather stepping all over it. (See editorial above.)
Consider this one snippet from Jerry Larkowski’s “defense” of his course as chairman of the state commission: “I think we’ve complied with the spirit of the FOI law. I have read up on it. I’ve talked to a couple of attorneys that do FOI work, and I think I tried to comply with the FOI laws.”
Wow. The man should go into politics.
I think . . . . The spirit of the law . . . I talked to a couple of attorneys . . . . I think I tried to comply . . . .
Tell you what, Mr. Chairman. Maybe you should think less about the law and follow it more. This law is clear enough. So next time something like this comes up, just have the commission cast its votes at a public meeting-just as the law says. Instead, he’d rather do this dance, and issue even more excuses, which have to be dutifully reported by the paper, no matter how bad they make him sound:
“By doing it by email, I was able to knock out this issue in 30 minutes.”
Like this is some kind of race?
“We get criticized a lot for government moving too slow. That would have taken at least a day to set up.”
Gosh, a whole day. And just to follow the law. Sir, next time just follow the law. Even if it takes 24 hours.
He’s “read up” on the Freedom of Information Act? He’s talked to “a couple” of attorneys? He thinks he’s “complied” with the spirit of the law? How? By ignoring the letter?
Next time, just follow the law.
It shouldn’t be that hard. Even the chairman of the state’s Public Defender Commission should be able to understand it. And then follow it.
Editorial, Pages 16 on 07/26/2013