Freedom of Information Award ( 10,000 and Over,Under 10,000,Over 7,000,3,001 to 7,000,1,501 to 3,000,1,001 - 1,500,Under 1,000)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Mankato - The Free Press Entry Title: Freedom of Information - Mankato Free Press "Judge unwise to throttle trial access" "Email case threatens right to know" Column: First Amendment threats thwarted Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: This entry offers strong advocacy across a variety of first amendment and freedom of information issues. The summary editorial does a great job of encapsulating each instance, recapping the relevant law, and explaining why it matters to a citizen.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Fargo/Moorhead - The Forum Entry Title: Fargo park director resigns suddenly Entry Credit: Forum staff Judge Comment: Nice job of following the story and not accepting push-back that details are protected information. This reporting gets to the heart of the troubles a particular public agency and finds answers for taxpayers.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Grand Forks Herald Entry Title: Roosevelt City Council Entry Credit: Tess Williams Judge Comment: This story demonstrates the problems that arise when elected officials are not held accountable or believe themselves to be above the law. The reporting led to action, an informed voter population, and detailed what happens afterward in real life terms.
Competition Comment: Interesting issues across all entries - congratulations to all of the papers who entered this category for putting the issue of freedom of information front and center.
The most effective entries were the ones that connected the dots for readers and demonstrated the real world applications of the concept of transparency in government and why citizens want to have an independent voice reminding government officials that they answer to voters.
