For example, the various criminal complaints and other filings make it clear that there were multiple levels of open record obstruction within Scott Walker's Milwaukee County administration. We know that there were things like secret routers and the frequent use of private emails for official business. We know that these practices were "...never disclosed to county employees outside a closely held group within the Walker administration."
These shady practices weren't even disclosed to the acting director of the Information Management Services Division. That county official was personally responsible for gathering emails that were responsive to open records requests. She also served on an open records committee with Kelly Rindfleisch and Tim Russell, yet they apparently never took the opportunity to advise her of the secret router and email network.
It seems very clear that John Doe prosecutors have identified open records requests that were successfully thwarted based on this shady setup inside the Walker administration. Take for example the following comment from Kelly Rindfleisch's criminal complaint.
"In fact, even though the secret e-mail system was used for business purposes which could have and which did include communications within the scope of Open Records requests, the existence of the system was never disclosed to Laurie Panella, the Acting Director of the Information Management Services Division."If this statement means what it appears to mean, then the DA knows of specific records requests that were obstructed at least in part. To the extent that prosecutors have positively identified specific requesters that were thwarted, they should be specifically notified of that fact. This is especially true if criminal charges are not going to be filed regarding this specific issue. To the extent that the law allows, those obstructed record requesters should be made aware and thus be afforded the opportunity to seek civil remedies if they so choose.
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3 comments:
Thanks for bringing up important points. The blogo-sphere needs to bring up the criminality and keep the dialog alive because Wisconsin's mainstream media echo-chamber is misrepresenting and outright lying.
There is reason to be concerned that our criminal justice system and the federal and state levels cannot hold powerful interests like walker and the multi-national corporate behind him accountable to the rule of law.
Remember, the FBI seized computers -- there IS a federal probe.
But you and I would not be allowed to continue our criminal spree while investigations play out -- we may see another FITZMAS where walker is not exonerated, but the final decision is that the case is too complex and muddled to go forward.
Unfortunately, it is common for government agencies to deny open records requests here and in Wisconsin and, depending on who is refusing to cooperate, no one will take civil action as there is little or no chance the costs of doing so will be recovered.
Our legal process is far from perfect and tiered -- the billionaires behind walker are never held accountable, but poor folks are an economic input for a prison-industrial complex.
If civil litigation would proceed to the point of "discovery" we might see some fireworks.
But remember, walker has a limitless criminal defense fund and the more divisive and extreme he becomes; the more money he can raise.
Dangrous, sick situation -- we are not a democracy if our elections can be stolen via hook or crook which is precisely what walkergate is actually all about.
But you won't see or hear that in the media.
I heard that Rep Robin Vos also has secret email accounts, and, has used his cell phone for texting to avoid open records requests.
Cory, your timing on this is impeccable. As you know, Walker and his cohorts in crime did other things besides screw with the open record requests, such as their retaliation against me.
I too am waiting to get at those emails.
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