David Cuillier Comments on the Removal of “Alligator Alcatraz” Contracts from Online Database

David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information (FOI) Project, was quoted in “’Alligator Alcatraz’ Contracts Disappeared From a Florida State Database” published on reason.com on July 22.

The article focuses on state contracts for Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention camp that were removed from a public database and replaced with far less detailed documents after media outlets began writing about them last week.

“That’s a lot of our money that we deserve to see how it’s spent, and it’s a high-profile project,” said Cuillier. “There’s a lot of public interest, so those are two reasons why this information should be proactively posted online.”

As Cuillier points out, if sensitive private information was included, it could simply be redacted without having to pull the entire document.

“I can’t even imagine what [the concerns] would be for a contract like that, but let’s say for argument there is something in there that really hurt the company,” he said. “Just black that out and put the rest up. Transparency is critical here when we’re talking about taxpayer dollars.”

To support his point, Cuillier referenced the FACTS frequently asked questions webpage, which states: “Given that government purchases are paid for by citizens, through taxes and fees, how government procures goods and services and the amounts it pays for them should be open for public review.”

“I love that the State of Florida cares so deeply about transparency and is quoting our great Thomas Jefferson about how critical it is,” said Cuillier. “Now they need to just follow through with that.”

Category: College News, Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project News
Tagged: Alligator Alcatraz Brechner Freedom of In David Cuillier
Subscribe to our News Digest