Debate Over Proposed Tenn Open Govt Ombuds

A debate is brewing in Nashville over a proposal to establish an open government ombudsman at an annual cost of $100,000. The plan, announced earlier this year, would give Tennesseans who experience problems accessing government documents or meetings somewhere to turn. Although endorsed by Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen, the state’s new lieutenant governor, Republican Ron Ramsey, is less optimistic about the likelihood the ombudsman position will be funded this year. (TriCities News.) [For a complete compendium on every state's open records and open meetings laws, including whether or not there is an ombuds, see the Open Government Guide.]