Subject: FOIA / Fees
[Copying media, as I was so flustered by remarks from Keith Jacques this evening intimidating my requests and feel the City may be fighting against FOIA requests being made.]
Matt Lauzon
5 Southview Dr.
Biddeford, ME 04005
February 1, 2016
Keith Jacques, Esq
Woodman Edmands Danylik Austin Smith & Jacques
234 Maine St
PO Box 468
Biddeford, ME 04005
CC: James Bennett, City Manager
Dear Attorney Jacques,
Good to see you tonight. Thanks for acknowledging my requests to date and also warning me of fees. After consulting with some people with experience, I'm now a bit surprised about your demeanor and warning of fees.
With that, under the Maine Freedom of Access Act § 402 et seq., I am requesting a history of all FOIA requests fielded with the City in 2014, 2015 and thus far in 2016 broken out individually indicating who filed them, a summary of the request, whether or not each was fulfilled and how much you charged for the fulfillment of the request.
If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me of the amount. However, I would request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and will contribute significantly to the public’s general understanding. This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.
If you intend to deny this request, I will expect to hear from you within the five business days mandated by the law. Also, if you expect a significant delay in responding to this request, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.
Thank you.
Matt Lauzon