Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Regarding Mayor Gysberts' Recent Statements Concerning the Hogan Campaign

In response to inquiries from community members on social media regarding Mayor Gysberts recent statements concerning the Hogan Campaign, I have sent the following media inquiry to the City of Hagerstown's communications department.

I am writing you in regard to the following article in the Herald Mail:
http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/local-democrats-question-hogan-s-school-construction-funding-plan/article_87f42447-352a-55cb-80e9-8ba4a085efe6.html
In the article, Mayor Gysberts and Delegate John Donoghue spoke of concerns regarding Maryland Governor Candidate Larry Hogan's plan for cutting costs in Maryland potentially affecting Washington County.
1) Was this press conference hosted by the City of Hagerstown?
2) Was this press conference in part or in full paid for by City of Hagerstown?
3) Are Mayor Gysberts' statements endorsed/authorized by the City of Hagerstown or its council? If not, what political action committee authorized these statements?

Thank you for your time,
Ken Buckler
Editor, WashCo Chronicle
www.washcochronicle.com


Additionally, I have sent a Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request to Washington County Public Schools for a copy of the completed "Application for Use of Facilities" for this press conference.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to you under the Maryland Public Information Act, State Government Article §§10-611 to 630, to request a copy of the following records:
A copy of the completed "Application for Use of Facilities" form for the Press Conference held by Mayor David Gysberts and Delegate John Donoghue on 10/13/2014 at West City Elementary School.
If all or any part of this request is denied, I request that I be provided with a written statement of the grounds for the denial. If you determine that some portions of the requested records are exempt from disclosure, please provide me with the portions that can be disclosed. 
Since this request is in the public interest, I would like to request that all fees be waived, in accordance with §10-621(e).
I look forward to receiving disclosable records promptly and, in any event, to a decision about all of the requested records within 30 days. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions regarding this request, please email me back at this email address.
Thank You,
Ken Buckler
Editor, WashCo Chronicle
www.WashCoChronicle.com


I will post any responses received.