Roanoke Sun

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located at § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

Town of Buchanan Policy on FOIA (also posted in Town Hall on the Public Notice board at the entrance).

The Freedom of Information Act Officer for the Town of Buchanan is the Town Clerk, Claudine Stump. You may contact her at (540) 254-1212 ext. 1 or cstump@buchanan-va.gov.

Visit the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council for further information.

Here is the link to the FOIA Online Comment Form. Online Public Comment Form. The FOIA Council has indicated that you can direct the responses to your locality rather than the FOIA Council.

Original source can be found here