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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Roseann R. Cadau |
State Rep. Tim Mahoney |
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Mahoney wants the public to have access to all state records
Plans to introduce legislation soon
HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, believes the public should be able to review an organized and expanded report of financial records for elected officials involved in municipal, county and state governments.
Mahoney plans to introduce legislation that would give Pennsylvanians more power to examine elected officials’ public records and create a new state agency that would help the public to access those records. His bill also would provide a new appeal process because so many citizens’ requests now may be getting ignored or denied, he said.
“I think we have all heard loud and clear from the public that they are tired of going through mazes when trying to locate specific files of elected officials who they voted into office,” Mahoney said. “This year, we may see long overdue changes to way government officials do business in Pennsylvania.”
In addition, Mahoney’s bill would provide for the use of new forms of communication and technology in accessing public records.
“The free and unfettered flow of information between our state government and the citizens and taxpayers is a fundamental pillar of our democracy,” Mahoney stated. “We must usher in a new era of open government in Pennsylvania.”
Mahoney represents the 51st Legislative District, which includes the city of Uniontown; parts of Bullskin and German townships; the boroughs of Fairchance, Markleysburg, Ohiopyle, Smithfield and South Connellsville; and Connellsville, Georges, Henry Clay, Nicholson, South Union, Springfield, Springhill, Stewart and Wharton townships.
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