Sioux Falls City Clerk, Jermery Washington, tells me Executive Orders are by request only

I have been (trying) to work with the new City of Sioux Falls city clerk and access to executive orders, but recently he responded to me in an email;

I found out that you can request the Executive Orders through a public records request.  Do you have specific ones in mind that you’d like to see?

This was my response;

Jermery,

Thanks for getting back to me.

 

How can I request an executive order if I have NO IDEA what they are? That is why I want to review them, to read them all and see what is on the books. There is no ‘specific’ order I am looking for.

 

When I asked you originally, I told you that the City Clerk’s office used to have those records (because, well, your the city clerk). Why can’t the public access them either online or review them at your offices?

 

WHY?

 

This is public information and should be available WITHOUT a records request.

 

I will work with some councilors to make those available.

As you can see, the new city clerk has NO intention of working with the public to share crucial information. You do know Jermery you work for me and the city council, and the city attorney’s office and mayor are NOT your direct supervisor. You are the CLERK of the city, that means you are responsible for the records of the city and disseminating that information.

And when I try to get help from the assistant city clerks they hide under their desks. Literally.

I’m not sure who is putting the fear of God in city employees, but I am sure they couldn’t hurt a fly (unless they were wearing their man capris.)