Texas city manager: Press must request information in writing

By The Associated Press

08.05.02

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WESLACO, Texas — A new directive signed by the city manager requires news media representatives seeking information about Weslaco operations to submit their questions in writing to the public information office.

A Texas Press Association officer said requiring media to submit questions for interviews is unorthodox.

"Ideally, a city would act as if information belonged to the public, and it does," said Donnis Baggett, editor and publisher of The Bryan-College Station Eagle. "Certainly it isn't a good public policy. Not good politics either."

Gary Rodriguez, Weslaco's public information officer, told the Mid-Valley Town Crier in a written statement that the policy stemmed from his being misquoted in an article about travel and other expenses from the city's quest to be named an "All America City."

John Handy, editor of the approximately 24,000-circulation newspaper, said Rodriguez's complaint was about a single word. Handy said that after speaking with the reporter and reviewing the reporter's notes, he is confident that the quotation was accurate.

Rodriguez told the Associated Press on Aug. 2 that the policy was "not etched in stone." He acknowledged the need for spontaneous communications during emergencies.

"I think it's extremely important right now to restate the commitment of the All America City of Weslaco to uphold the First Amendment and concept of freedom of press," he said. "That said, if you're writing notes using hand and pen I think it's going to be hard to keep up. ... I contend I was misquoted."

City Manager Frank Castellanos was not available for comment on Aug. 2.

John Bussian, media attorney for Freedom Communications, parent company of the Town Crier, said news media representatives or taxpayers should not have to go to special lengths for basic information.

"It certainly defies the purpose of open access to public officials," Bussian said. "It defies the spirit of open government that has always existed in Texas."