E16 What About the Public Information Act?
Lisa Kershner works with citizens from all walks of life with one common goal, receiving access to public records. In this episode Kershner breaks down what the Public Information Act is and why it matters.
Guests
Lisa Kershner, Maryland’s Public Access Ombudsman
Appointed by the MD Attorney General to a 4-year term, Lisa Kershner is Maryland’s first Public Access Ombudsman. Opening the Office on March 30, 2016, she was reappointed to a second term in March 2020. Ms. Kershner’s primary activity has been to help PIA requestors and responding agencies resolve PIA issues voluntarily through constructive dialogue and practical problem-solving. Ms. Kershner is a long-time resident of Maryland, a Maryland lawyer, and graduate of UMCP and the University of Maryland School of Law. She brings to the Ombudsman role prior experience representing requestors and custodians under the PIA and FOIA, as well as experience representing participants in many types of mediation and litigation. After years of litigation practice, Ms. Kershner most enjoys the opportunity to help requestors and agencies solve problems without litigation!
Contact info: Phone 410-576-7037, email lkershner@oag.state.md.us
Links
Public Access Ombudsman website
About this episode
ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
- Public Information Act, Open Meeting Act, and Neutrality.
- To request a mediation in Maryland email pia.ombuds@oag.state.md.us.
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CONTRIBUTORS:
Rebecca Snyder (host). NaTavia Williams (podcast intern). Original music by Ruskin Nohe-Moren.