Opinion ID: 1379623
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: the 256 prospects

Text: Arizona's public records statute reads: Public records and other matters in the office of any officer at all times during office hours shall be open to inspection by any person. A.R.S. § 39-121. This statute was adopted in 1901 and is taken from the California provision, Chapter 610, Cal.Sess.L. 1874, § 27. Although this statute has been interpreted to favor disclosure, this policy is not absolute. As we have noted: While access and disclosure is the strong policy of the law, the law also recognizes that an unlimited right of inspection might lead to substantial and irreparable private or public harm; thus, where the countervailing interests of confidentiality, privacy or the best interests of the state should be appropriately invoked to prevent inspection, we hold that the officer or custodian may refuse inspection. Such discretionary refusal is subject to judicial scrutiny. Carlson v. Pima County, 141 Ariz. 487, 491, 687 P.2d 1242, 1246 (1984) (citation omitted). We believe that the Board had the discretion to balance the countervailing interests in this case. Id.; see also Mathews v. Pyle, 75 Ariz. 76, 251 P.2d 893 (1952). When the release of information would have an important and harmful effect on the duties of the officials or agency in question, there is discretion not to release the requested documents. Church of Scientology v. City of Phoenix, 122 Ariz. 338, 594 P.2d 1034 (Ct.App. 1979). The record indicates that, as to some well-qualified candidates, confidentiality was critical in their decision to be interviewed. The trial judge held that the 256 prospects and their resumes should be revealed to the media. We disagree. The 256 individuals were not yet candidates, but prospects. A prospect is a person in the initial large group that the Committee and HSI considers. A candidate is one who is seriously being considered, and is interviewed, for the position. The prospect may not know that he or she has been nominated, may not wish to be, and may find it embarrassing and harmful to his or her career. A candidate, on the other hand, may actively seek the office. Finalists are those persons actually submitted to the Board for selection. In some cases the publicity attendant to the search has proven detrimental to the search process, resulting in lesser qualified, but thicker skinned, persons applying. The public's interest in ensuring the state's ability to secure the most qualified candidates for the university president's position is more compelling than its interest in, or need to know, the names of all of the prospects. See Core v. U.S. Postal Service, 730 F.2d 946 (4th Cir.1984) (Federal Freedom of Information Act did not require disclosure of unsuccessful applicants). We believe the Board may balance the interest of ASU and the people of Arizona in selecting the best possible president, with the public's right to knowledge of the selection process and the names of persons seriously considered for the position. Revealing the names of all prospects, those nominated without their permission, and even those nominated with the prospects' tacit permission, could chill the attraction of the best possible candidates for the position. The interests of ASU and the citizens of this state are best served by not discouraging the cream from applying. The countervailing interests of confidentiality, privacy [and] the best interest of the state [were, therefore,] appropriately invoked to prevent inspection.... Carlson, 141 Ariz. at 491, 687 P.2d at 1246. We therefore reverse the trial court's decision requiring the disclosure of all 256 names. [2]