Media outlets across the state conducted their own audit of municipal compliance with Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act this fall, and both Charlottesville and Albemarle did really well. Three requests were made of every 134 cities and counties in the state: crime reports, e-mails between elected officials, and school fire inspection reports. Only thirteen localities in the state granted all three requests, and Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Greene all made the list.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
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Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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Don’t forget Albemarle! They made the cut, as well.
I didn’t even see Albemarle on that list — thanks for that, Jim. I’ve updated the story to reflect that.
It’s tough for me to get excited about C’ville, Albemarle and Greene all complying. This is basic stuff here. What I find interesting is that the rest of the state did so badly. How remarkable that of the 10% of the state that complied, fully a quarter consisted of here. Either we’re doing something really right or the rest of the state is doing something really wrong.
They clearly did not go into the Charlottesville City Circuit Court and ask for anything. Had they done that, Charlottesville would have been at the bottom of the list. Paul Garrett is the most unhelpful elected official in the area. Not only is he unhelpful he is mean and dismissive about it. I do not know anyone in town who has gone into his office and come away with a good feeling.
The county may have Camblos but the City has Paul
The pessimist in me says it’s the 2nd part of that. The rest of the state is doing something really wrong.
And Since the topic is FOIA requests- does anyone know of a good website that has a “walkthru” on how to make a freedom of information act request?
Any link to the raw data that this article is based on?
I’m afraid not, at least not that I could find. I’d love to see it, though.
[…] The topic was also discussed recently on cvillenews.com. […]
There’s actually a great website from the Virginia Coalition for Open Government that explains how to do a FOIA request and a ton of other stuff. The website is: http://www.opengovva.org/
Much thanks for that link JLOR.