The app for independent voices
Now into February, and there's an Albuquerque City Council meeting scheduled for the 3rd. On my way there, I visited the Alamosa Community Center. The director of the Center was extra transparent about showing me the required postings for OSHA, EEOC, etc. He didn't know about a records custodian, but took my request anyway.
One detail about NM's IPRA - a written request requires the name and address of the person requesting records, which is different from federal FOIA and other states' records laws. Most permit anonymous requests, to prevent discrimination and retaliation. My IPRA request at Alamost CC used an alias anagrammed from my email address (Corrales Coyote > LeTaye Socorro). Mr Watson submitted the request under my legal name, after sending me an email scolding me about the alias.
I visited City Hall later that week, and spoke with city employees in Arts & Culture department, Human Resources, the Mayor's office, City Council, Building maintenance division. No one was following IPRA.
On Monday February 10, I went back to City Hall. Youth & Family department has a public lobby inaccessible, behind a keycard entry door. They told me the City Clerk is the only place to get records, "on 6th and Menaul".
I visited the Arts & Culture department specifically because the libraries are under their purview. Moments after I asked to speak to their records custodian, three security guards showed up, and stared at me. youtu.be/ru8MshB60lc
The department Asst Director came out to tell me he wouldn't answer my questions, and then scurried back into his office.
February 14, I submitted IPRA requests at Main library (again) and at City Council, in City Hall. I was simply requesting the name/email of the records custodian, and a copy of the IPRA notice, per 14-2-7E.
Both requests were accepted, and closed within hours. Since neither public body has a records custodian, their reason for closing the request is...?