Alumna Terry Mutchler, executive director of the Pa. Office of Open Records, emphasized the importance of the upcoming open records law for both journalists and private citizens to more than 50 people Wednesday night.
The event, which was sponsored by the Penn State chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the College of Communications, was the inaugural event for SPJ this semester.
"As journalists and citizens, open records laws are as important as a pen," she said. "Information is the currency of this generation and also this century."
Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, all records held by state and local agencies, all records of the General Assembly and all financial records of the court system are presumed to be public, according to the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition's Web site.
She described the need to have open records as important as the ability to access a bank account.
"Can you imagine not having access to your own checkbook," she said. "Essentially if records aren't open, it is the government spending your money and telling you that you can't know what it is being used for."
Mutchler said a record could include a book, a map, a CD, videotape or a recording of a 911 call. Previously, citizens seeking these records had to prove why they deserved to be granted access. Under the new law the tables are turned and the government has the responsibility to show why the information should remain confidential, according to the Web site.
"If a public body denies a record they have to tell you why and give you a valid reason," Mutchler said. "Then you have a right to appeal."
Kevin Hewston, student liaison for SPJ said he thinks the new laws will be beneficial to both the government and private citizens.
"I think that this will definitely improve current laws because it will encourage openness and allow taxpayers to see how their government actually works," he said. "This law is fundamental to the relationship [between government bodies and their constituents.]"
Mutchler, Class of 1987, has worked as a reporter for The Morning Call, in Allentown, and with the Associated Press in Harrisburg and Atlantic City. She also worked as the AP bureau chief in Springfield, Ill.
