Illinois A.G. Creates 'Public-Access Counselor' Position

By: Mark Fitzgerald Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has appointed the state's first "public-access counselor," who will work to promote compliance with state public-records and open-meetings laws.

Assistant Attorney General Terry Mutchler was named to the newly created position inside the attorney general's office. The public-access counselor will resolve sunshine-law disputes and educate public officials on access issues, Madigan said in a press release.

"It is critical that both the public and public officials understand these laws and that all public officials know their obligations under these laws," Madigan said. "Open and honest government depends on the full participation of citizens in their government and the free exchange of information between government and it citizens."

The new position was applauded by the Chicago Headline Club, the largest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

"In a city and state that, at times, seems under siege by public corruption, the position of public access counselor is an important step toward a more open government," club President Ben Bradley said.

"It is critical that both the public and public officials understand these laws and that all public officials know their obligations under these laws," Madigan said in a press release. "Open and honest government depends on the full participation of citizens in their government and the free exchange of information between government and it citizens."

"This may be the biggest step toward government accountability in the state's history," said Phil Kadner, a columnist for the Daily Southtown in Chicago. "News media organizations and citizen watchdog groups believe that a public access counselor, by documenting complaints and unresolved problems, will ultimately be able to make a case for improving the existing laws and toughening the enforcement provisions."

Madigan, who is in her first term, made improving public access to government documents and meetings an issue in her campaign. Several other states, including neighboring Indiana, have formal government positions responsible for sunshine-law compliance.