PaFOIC

Denied: Request asked questions, didn't seek records

Denied: A request to the borough of Churchill that sought answers to three questions but did not seek records.
From the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition

Denied:
A request for information from the borough of Churchill that took the form of three questions, relating to the reasons for increasing taxes, the basis for choosing a publication for advertising public meetings, and the basis for requiring leaf pickup in paper bags vs. trash containers.

The borough denied the request because it did not fall under the guidelines of the open records law, which only provides access to records.

The Office of Open Records agreed, noting that the Right to Know Law does not require agencies to provide answers to questions.

"We note that local and Commonwealth agencies often answer questions of citizens as a matter of good government, but not as a response to request pursuant to the RTKL."

DiPerna vs. Churchill Borough -- AP 2009-0112