Michigan sheriff mad at newspaper so he punishes through public records law
A Michigan sheriff is mad at The Argus-Press newspaper for publishing a story he didn't want published, so he told the paper he would provide press releases only if a formal written public records request is filed. That allows him to drag his heals for the whole five days alloted by law for a response (and then allowed another five day extension to provide it). See
story. Yet another sheriff trying to use the law to punish someone who doesn't tow the line -- similar to the sheriff in Phoenix, Ariz., who has punished local newspapers by not providing press releases or having them arrested for disorderly conduct for simply questioning their understanding of public records law. When a public official starts acting like a dictator or king then it's likely that way of thinking has led to other undemocratic or inappropriate activity that is worth looking into. Fertile ground for investigative journalism.