New Mexico Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act

• Category: Letters - Nonlegal - Appeals
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-0158LR
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.

Subject: New Mexico Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Ensuring Your Right to Information Dear [Recipient's Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today to exercise my right to information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regarding [specific request or query]. However, after receiving the response to my initial request, I find it necessary to file an appeal in order to ensure the transparency and accountability that the FOIA guarantees. As a concerned citizen of New Mexico, I firmly believe in the principles of open government and the right to access public records. The FOIA serves as a powerful tool that enables citizens like myself to gain insight into the actions and decisions made by public officials, ultimately ensuring government transparency. I have carefully reviewed the response provided by your department or agency, and I am disheartened to find that my request has been denied or not fully satisfied. In light of this, I respectfully request that you reconsider your decision and provide the information I seek within the timeframes set forth by the FOIA. To aid in the reconsideration of my appeal, I have attached copies of the original request, the response received, and any relevant correspondence exchanged between us. I kindly request that you review all the documents enclosed, taking into account the specific provisions of the FOIA that pertain to the release of information. The FOIA mandates that exemptions to the release of information are limited and should be interpreted narrowly. It is crucial for me to emphasize the importance of justifying any redactions or withheld information as per the specific statutory provisions cited in your initial response. In addition, I would like to bring your attention to the fact that the FOIA also includes a provision where the burden of proof lies with the public body to demonstrate that the denial of access is lawful and justified. Therefore, I kindly request that you provide a thorough and detailed explanation for the denial or partial fulfillment of my request. Furthermore, I am aware that New Mexico has additional provisions and regulations complementing the FOIA, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act (IRA). Please ensure that your response complies with both federal and state laws in order to uphold transparency and accountability. In conclusion, I kindly request that you review my appeal with utmost care and reconsider your response to ensure that my rights under the FOIA are fully upheld. I trust that you will handle this appeal in a timely manner and strive to provide the requested information in accordance with the provisions of the law. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I believe that through our collective efforts, we can uphold the principles of open government and ensure the transparency that our community deserves. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]