Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing this letter to appeal the recent denial of my request for public records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a concerned citizen of Wayne, Michigan, I firmly believe in the importance of transparency and access to information when it comes to the functioning of our local government. Wayne, Michigan is a vibrant city located in Wayne County, just west of Detroit. With its rich history and diverse community, Wayne serves as a hub for both residential and commercial developments. As an active participant in the community, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our government operates in a manner that is accountable and transparent to its constituents. I recently submitted a FOIA request to obtain specific public records pertaining to [describe the nature of the requested information], which I believe are crucial for understanding and monitoring the decision-making process within our local government. However, to my disappointment, my request was denied, citing reasons that were not valid or justified. Under the Freedom of Information Act, every citizen has the right to access and obtain public records, unless there are legitimate exemptions or exceptions that apply. The Act promotes a culture of open government and seeks to prevent unwarranted secrecy. It is with this rationale that I firmly stand behind my appeal, challenging the denial of my original request. I kindly request the reconsideration of my request and ask for a thorough review of the denial decision. In doing so, I hope that you will carefully examine the relevant provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, along with any supporting case law, in order to make an informed and fair judgment. There are several types of appeals that can be made within the framework of the Freedom of Information Act. These may include appeals specifically addressing the misinterpretation or misapplication of exemptions, procedural errors in the handling of the request, or inadequate justifications given for the denial. In this case, my appeal falls under the category of an appeal citing insufficiency in the justifications given for the denial. To support my appeal, I have enclosed documentation that clearly outlines the reasons why the denial of my FOIA request was unwarranted. I have also highlighted specific sections of the Act that support my position, indicating that my request should have been granted. I kindly request that you treat this appeal with the utmost urgency and priority. As an engaged and informed citizen, I believe in the power of transparency and accountability to build a stronger community. By upholding the principles enshrined in the Freedom of Information Act, you will demonstrate the commitment of our local government to transparency and uphold the trust placed in the system by its citizens. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt resolution and the disclosure of the requested public records. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.