Thursday, April 5, 2018

Dirty rotten crooks

We are approaching the 11 month mark since the Yu Chen tragedy last spring, and in May it will be one year. Yet, the sheriff's report and other records are still being withheld. We're unsure whether to belabor this story or just let it go. The unlawful withholding of public records is such a problem in Wisconsin that we decided to collect the contacts for the major area newspapers below. Anyone who cares might think about contacting at least one of these and suggesting an (updated) story:

Isthmus:
Judy Davidoff (replaced Bill Lueders): 251-5627
Submit tip or story idea: edit@isthmus.com

The Progressive Magazine (Madison)

Capital Times:
Main number: 252-6400
Submit news tip: citydesk@madison.com

Wis. State Journal contacts. The Wis. State Journal and Cap Times have covered the incident, although not lately, and the Milw. Journal-Sentinel had one brief note on it right after it occurred.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
Opinion/Editorials: 414-224-2143; jsedit@journalsentinel.com
News: 414-224-2318; jsmetro@journalsentinel.com

Chicago Tribune:
News tips & ideas: online form

The public records problem in Wisconsin is getting worse, not better. Without unfettered access to public records, there is little to keep public employees from indulging their natural tendencies and becoming crooks.