“1984” must be required reading in Boston City Hall.
Especially this passage: “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
George Orwell, arguably history’s pre-eminent political pundit, would spit out his coffee reading the Herald’s coverage of Boston’s excuse for refusing to produce public records requests.
The city’s records office cited its own inaction in closing 221 public records requests in total, the city now says, going back to March 29, 2021. Yes, some were from the Herald but others were from city taxpayers.
The public-records office, led by its chief Shawn Williams, cited “not recent activity” as a reason to deny records requests. He is paid $107,343 annually, payroll records show — up from $89,519 in 2017 — to say his own lack of “action” is worth rejecting a request.
He has earned a nearly 20% raise in five short years to say sorry, we left your request in a pile long enough to declare “no action.” I wonder if they move that pile, is it action?
Stating no recent activity as a reason to spike records requests is an insult to hard-working Boston residents who have legitimate questions you can’t often find answers to without seeking public records.
It’s the law! Chapter 66, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws, in case Shawn Williams needs a refresher course.
The introduction to the state’s public records law states that “mandating the disclosure of public records have existed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 1851.”
A guide to the law further states: “The founding fathers of our nation strove to develop an open government formed on the principles of democracy and public participation. An informed citizen is better equipped to participate in that process.”
In defense of Shawn Williams, since he did not respond to a call from this editorial writer, he may be hitting a wall with city departments who may also not share in the spirit of what public records laws stand for.
If so, this one falls on Mayor Michelle Wu. It is simply unacceptable for Boston to be in lockdown.
Wu’s administration told the Herald the mayor admits the city has “work to do” and that includes hiring to improve the public-records response. The city has stressed that transparency, which Wu campaigned on, is a top priority.
If that is still true, Mayor Wu needs to march into the public records office and sit down and start moving those piles around. Specifically, responding to the records requests and post them for all to see.
Sunshine, as they say, is the best disinfectant.
The secretary of state’s office, which houses the public records supervisor, said Boston’s response is “unacceptable.”
Mayor Wu needs to show she is in charge. Being a mayor comes with hard work. Let the Elizabeth Warrens of the world spout high-minded ideals and lofty plans as she prepares for another quixotic run for president.
Boston has always needed mayors who aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. Say what you will about Mayors Thomas Menino and Marty Walsh, both knew instinctively that the trash had to be picked up, the police and fire departments properly staffed, the schools solid and the city open to the needs of its citizens.
That must include working hard on public records requests. If Shawn Williams doesn’t want to do the job, then go find someone else who will. I’m sure Boston could fill that slot at $100,000-plus a year with steady raises faster than any of the records requests being ignored.
