More questions than answers educates no one

By Randy Evans I spoke to two groups in recent weeks, and people at both gatherings wanted to know about the work of the organization I lead, the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. If I had known then what I … Continue Reading


More light, less darkness needed from government

By Randy Evans The purpose for government regulations is to protect the health and safety of the public. That is the theory behind regulations, and it is a commendable mission. But sometimes that is not what occurs. Too often, it … Continue Reading


Some local officials just plow ahead with secrecy

By Randy Evans Lyman Dillon resides in the dusty recesses of Iowa history for his role in 1839 in one of Iowa’s earliest infrastructure projects. Dillon’s work also figures indirectly in a modern-day lesson on how NOT to run a … Continue Reading


Supreme Court spikes excuse for hiding public comment

This column was written by the executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, and appeared  in newspapers and on web sites around the state. By Randy Evans The Iowa Supreme Court gave citizen engagement and accessibility to public … Continue Reading




Debris in Davenport is gone, but the secrets remain

The following column was written by Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. The column appeared in newspapers and on news web sites across Iowa.   By Randy Evans As we approach the second anniversary of … Continue Reading


Free speech includes the right to criticize government

The following column was written by the executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. The column appeared in newspapers and on news web sites across Iowa.   By Randy Evans A constitutional showdown taking shape in southern Iowa’s … Continue Reading



Live-streaming gov’t meetings should be the norm

The following column was written by Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, and was made available to all Iowa newspapers for publication. – – – You don’t often hear anyone extol the benefits of the … Continue Reading