I try to steer them in the right direction and share my rudimentary knowledge of Virginia s Freedom of Information Act. File a lawsuit. That s not what anyone wants to hear. Lawsuits are costly. The results are uncertain.
Most significant cases are on appeal for so long that the issue is moot before a decision is final.
That may change in the next year if a proposal now before a Virginia legislative panel eventually becomes law. The proposal would establish a small state agency, possibly called the Virginia Commission on Open Government. The agency would provide education for public officials who must deal with open-government issues. It also would advise the legislature on any changes needed in Virginia s FOI law. But more importantly, it will help resolve disputes over access to public records and meetings.