🚨 The City of LaSalle Withheld Public Records — Transparency Isn’t Optional 🚨

On February 10, 2025, I filed a FOIA request for the February 3, 2025, and the upcoming February 17, 2025 City Council and Finance meeting packets. While the City provided the February 3 packet, they refused to release the February 17 packet, claiming it wasn’t available at the time.

But here’s what really happened:

The City of LaSalle had the February 17 packet finalized on Friday, February 14, 2025—a full three days before the meeting—but still denied my request. Instead, they waited until February 18, 2025—the day after the meeting—before responding. At that point, the information was no longer useful for public engagement.

This isn’t transparency. It’s information control.

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is simple: to ensure the public has access to government records in a timely manner—especially before decisions are made. When the city delays or withholds documents that should be public, it strips residents of the ability to review, question, and participate in local government.

Transparency means providing information when it matters—not after the fact.

Blocking access to council meeting materials before a meeting is a deliberate attempt to reduce public oversight. This prevents residents from asking questions, preparing comments, or even understanding the issues before votes are cast.

This is not how an accountable government operates. Transparency isn’t just a box to check—it’s a commitment to the people it serves.

I’m sharing the full email chain below so residents can see the facts for themselves. Decide for yourself if this is the kind of leadership LaSalle deserves.

🔗 I’m including the emails from my FOIA request so you can see the facts for yourself.

• February 10, 2025 – FOIA request submitted 

• February 14, 2025 – Packet was finalized

• February 18, 2025 – City responded, withholding the February 17 packet