08-03-10, Regarding the CPRA, Herbert Molano Asks, “Bell or Glendale, which is more egregious?”

Today's story on the L.A. Times shows a city management recalcitrant in complying with the California Public Records Act. The city of Bell does not want to release the salaries of other top employees. That is an experience reminiscent to one I've had in Glendale for years. Not until the California Supreme Court made the decision on the Contra Costa Times vs the city of Oakland, were we able to get the Glendale City Attorney to release pay information. The city had filed an amicus brief in the case and created the tactic that would provide it with the excuse not to release its own information. It went something like this: "We filed an amicus brief, and so we are unable to release the information until the trial is over or the court renders a decision." 

Today, I still get obstacles with some of the most lame excuses imaginable. To get the total gross pay for Bob McFall for each of the last 10 years, the city is asking me for $170 for each record. 

Bell or Glendale, which is more egregious?  

Herbert Molano