Harvey wins a Worsty

The Illinois Press Association has identified the worst offenders in the state when it comes to the Illinois Open Meetings Act and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act -- and the city of Harvey made the list.

Called the Worsties, each year the IPA recognized the state's 10 worst violators of the public's right to know. This year, Harvey came in at No. 3, right behind Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his administration.

"Harvey city officials hit on a unique way to hide its fiscal problems. Don't do the paperwork," the IPA said, noting Harvey's efforts to avoid releasing public records. The stalling tactics and noncompliance with state law prompted the Daily Southtown to sue the city of Harvey.