While an AORO’s Attestation Affidavit can be sufficient proof of a thorough search and a complete response, Affidavits that contain “a generic determination or conclusory statements are not sufficient to justify the exemption of public records.” Jeffrey Krug v. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Final Determination No. AP 2018-1599, Pa. O.O.R.D. November 21, 2018. In
Francis Catania
Francis J. Catania is a partner in the Media, PA, law firm of Catania & Parker, LLP, and has been practicing law for over 30 years. He represents Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities and schools in responding to Right to Know Law requests and assists private clients who use the Right to Know Law to request documents from state and local government agencies. His practice includes representing clients about Right to Know Law matters before the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, Common Pleas Courts and Commonwealth Court. He has served as Delaware County Solicitor and Solicitor to Delaware County boroughs, townships, school districts and municipal authorities.
UPDATE: District Attorney’s asset forfeiture and other financial records subject of court rulings in RTKL Appeals
By Francis Catania on
Posted in Commentary, Court Decisions
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has posted Cambria County Judge Krumenacker’s Opinions and Orders in the matters listed below. Click here for access:
| 2017-0050 | 06/29/2017 | DeBartola v. Cambria County District Attorney’s Office | Request sought various records relating to drug expenditures and employee information. |
| 2017-0534 | 06/22/2017 | DeBartola v. Cambria County | Request |
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District Attorney’s asset forfeiture and other financial records subject of court rulings in RTKL Appeals
By Francis Catania on
Posted in Court Decisions
“Four rulings spread across more than 100 total pages” were recently issued by Cambria County President Judge Norman A. Krumenacker III concerning RTKL requests made by Johnstown resident John DeBartola, according to a November 20, 2018 edition article in The Daily American/OurTown Johnstown. An Office of Open Records Final Determinations database search shows 24 matters…
In 2018, two Pennsylvania Courts have ordered government agencies to pay a Requester’s legal fees
By Francis Catania on
Posted in Court Decisions
In August 2018, Berks County Common Pleas Judge James M. Lillis ordered the City of Reading to pay $12,071.75 in legal fees to a requester and in October 2018, Commonwealth Court Judge Simpson ordered Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to pay $118,458.37 in legal fees to a requester. On November 26, 2018, the Pennsylvania Office of…