Cook wins lawsuit for Local Share Account documents
By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
Washington County Common Pleas Judge Katherine B. Emery this week ruled in favor of state Rep. Bud Cook in his open records battle for copies of documents related to the Local Share Account.
Cook is seeking records from 433 projects funded through the Local Share Account in proceedings overseen by the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County. The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records upheld Cook’s right to the documents, but that ruling was appealed by the Redevelopment Authority. The authority has the right to appeal Emery’s ruling as well, but Executive Director William McGowen said that decision hasn’t been made.
“We’re going to have to evaluate it with our legal team and our staff and board and determine whether we will pursue it or not,” he said.
McGowen said the Redevelopment Authority has always been willing to give Cook access to the files.
“We’re glad to give him any information he wants. It comes down to how much effort you put into it,” he said. “We try to be conscious of how we spend taxpayer dollars.”
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