A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the City of Zeigler, Illinois, regarding unpaid parking violations on October 28, 2024. The request was made by North Egypt News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In our pursuit of transparency and accountability in public institutions, we requested a list of all parking violations currently unpaid within the city's jurisdiction. The information sought includes the name of the offender, their address, the amount due for each violation, the date when each violation occurred, and the total amount due.
As a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to such public records is crucial for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. We believe that providing this information will contribute significantly towards holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for our readers.
We are waiting for a response from the City of Zeigler regarding this request. As per Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), we have asked for this information preferably in an electronic format. We also stated our eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional under the same act.
North Egypt News remains committed to keeping its readers informed about important local issues. We believe that access to such information not only strengthens democracy but also empowers citizens with knowledge about their communities.