I have filed many open records requests over the years, and no open records administrator has performed as HCDE’s Tim Hensley.
It is truly lala land seeking public records from governments and their agencies. There are many methods utilized to render public records unattainable to citizens, such as making the records cost prohibitive, government attorneys declaring their entire office as a no public records filing cabinet, and the list goes on.
Mr. Hensley, you are not the norm for open records, as many people know. There is surely a side job for you training others on how to be a fair and appropriate open records administrator.
Mr. Hensley has proven to be the best I have ever encountered in following the intent of open records laws. Every request has been fulfilled in a timely manner, with no attempt to cover up in my opinion.
When I requested HCDE internal electronic communications of parental choice school voucher legislation, Tim Hensley fulfilled the request, that was less than flattering to HCDE, and that is being kind. Real transparency is difficult to attain from employees of an organization. I believe Mr. Hensley came the closest I have ever seen.
It has never been more critical for citizens to have the ability to obtain information readily and inexpensively, as local journalism has morphed into political activism that seeks political outcomes, rather than conveyance of information to the public.
Mr. Hensley has demonstrated to me that he has followed open records law like no other in this region.
Best wishes to you, Mr. Hensley, in your retirement. It will be tough, likely impossible, for HCDE to fill your shoes.
April Eidson