Who has ever said “I wish I had a way to find out how my local or state government is spending tax dollars, or I wish I knew the details on that project or activity?”
I would say most
everyone has, and there is a way for all residents to get this information.
The process is called
FOIL.
WHAT IS FOIL?The Freedom of Information Law—or FOIL— is a law that can be used by New Yorkers to request and get access to public documents. By sending a “FOIL request,” you are taking the first step towards a more transparent government. New York’s Freedom of Information Law simply states that you have the right to inspect the files of any New York agency. This means inspection of any public record at all levels of government. All you have to do is ask.
WHAT RECORDS CAN BE REQUESTED?
Through a FOIL request, you have access to public records including budgets, requests for proposals, contracts, and checkbooks from counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, and even New York State government agencies. When an agency receives a request, the law states that it has five business days to grant or deny your request. If more time is needed, the agency must give you written acknowledgment of receiving it and an expected response date (usually not more than twenty additional business days).
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
It matters because it’s your money. Think of the government as a service provider for you. To put it simply, you and government have a client and vendor relationship. Payments are made in the form of taxes, and services are then rendered by the government. To fully understand the government, we must understand what government does with our money.
HOW DOES THIS WORK IN THE TOWN OF BALLSTON?
The FOIL form can be obtained on the town website under the town clerk’s section. Just fill out what you are looking for. The completed form can be dropped off at the clerk’s office to receive a paper copy or the form can be sent via email to cgumienny@townofballstonny.org to receive an electronic copy of the information requested.
MY RECENT FOIL RESULTS
Below are two examples of my recent FOIL requests to the Town of Ballston. Eye opening information on what our tax dollars paid for. The Baker PR firm, hired by the Town of Ballston, are paid $1500 per month. For two months earlier this year, invoices show during the Rte 50 sewer proposition, the PR firm assisted residents who were in favor of the sewers write letters to the editor. Also, design and distribution of pro sewer lawn signs was part of their work. Was it right for the town to use our tax dollars to campaign for the sewers?
Baker PR Firm Activity Report for February 2018
Baker PR Firm Activity Report for March 2018
Helpful links:
http://townofballstonny.org/documents/UpdatedFoilRequestForm_000.pdf
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