Posted on Monday, May 20th, 2019 at 4:14 pm
It is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that electors may be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity while those officials are making public policy!
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was initially adopted by the Arkansas Legislature in 1967 and has served as the model for other “sunshine” laws throughout the nation. The Act encourages respect for the public’s “right to know” about the government, encourages the citizens of Arkansas to become more knowledgeable about governmental affairs, and encourages the State’s residents to learn how to legally question all governmental officials.
Joey McCutchen, senior member of McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm in Ft. Smith, will be the featured speaker during a free Arkansas Freedom of Information Act Seminar scheduled to begin at 7 P.M. on Tuesday evening, May 28, in Room “B” of the Durand Center in Harrison. The Durand Center is located across the street from the Historical Hotel Seville with plenty of parking spaces available for Seminar attendees. Mr. McCutchen is known by many Arkansas citizens as a tough, no-nonsense attorney and a recognizable guru concerning FOIA issues.
Each Seminar participant will receive a free copy of the latest Arkansas Freedom of Information Act Handbook and will have the opportunity to hear a panel of knowledgeable individuals discuss many of the important issues contained in this vital and far-reaching State law.
Seminar participants will be instructed as to how to file an FOIA request and how to respond when a request is answered or not answered, as well as the legal requirements for the scheduling and conducting of public meetings by government officials. A review of several recent FOIA court cases is scheduled during the Seminar, and a synopsis of the current FOIA litigation against the local hospital will be presented.
This special, free Seminar is sponsored by the Boone County Transparency in Government Group (TIGG) and will feature free refreshments for those who attend.
