Arizona

November 12, 2008: A Queen Creek resident is appealing to the state's public records ombudsman after town officials declined her request to release a training video of the mayor, council and town staff.

Town officials declined resident Cynthia Buffington's request to obtain a copy of videotaped mock interviews made during a training session on how to deal with the media due to privacy interests of the individuals involved, according to an e-mail exchange between Buffington and the town's clerk. Read the full article here.

City of Mesa owes former mayor $167,000
November 8, 2008: The city of Mesa owes a former mayor $167,000 for violating public records law and has to turn over requested documents within seven days, according to an official judgment Friday.

The final order was less than the judge's initial ruling three months ago.

Judge William Acey in August found Mesa city officials incorrectly handled requests for 172 records the former mayor and councilwoman, Donna Zink, made over a 2 1/2-year period. Read the full article here.

Nelson renews calls for release of New Times arrest documents
October 30, 2008: Maricopa County attorney candidate Tim Nelson kept up his call for the release of records related to the arrest of New Times publishers Mike Lacey and Jim Larkin, holding a press conference at Arizona Democratic Party headquarters Thursday to demand the office of incumbent county attorney Andrew Thomas reveal the records. Read the full article here.

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