Wisconsin’s new governor finds open records law applies to him too

Wisconsin’s open records law applies to every level of government. The law allows private citizens and media outlets to request any form of communication involving public officials. That is a lesson that Wisconsin’s new governor is apparently a little slow to learn. Tony Evers refused to release a copy of a handwritten note he received from former Governor Scott Walker as Evers took office. Walker had told reporters before he left office that he left his successor a personal note. Walker wouldn’t say what he wrote to Evers, and when the Associated Press filed an open records request seeking a copy of the note, Evers refused. He argued that because the letter from Walker was purely personal, it should not be subjected to the state’s open records law. While it is disappointing that our new governor initially refused to agree to the request, he hours later made the document public. The note itself is hardly newsworthy. Walker wrote to Evers, ‘It is my sincere hope that you do well, as well as the state, during your time as Governor.” He closed with “good luck and God bless you.” It was a nice gesture from Walker, but one which Evers should have been willing to share. As Governor he needs to set an example for other government employees that the law needs to be followed. As the former State Superintendent of Schools, Evers should know that if a teacher catches kids passing notes in class, the note will be confiscated, and likely read to the whole class.