Maryland hiring ombudsman for public records controversies

Wanted: Public records expert with a willingness to jump into fights between the news media and government officials.

Maryland's attorney general is now hiring an ombudsman to mediate disputes over access to public information, a post that was created by lawmakers but had been unfilled.

The Board of Public Works voted Wednesday, without discussion, to authorize money for the job. The legislature created the job in the biggest rewrite of Maryland public records laws in 45 years, but it has sat vacant since the law took effect Oct. 1 because the post had to be approved by Gov. Larry Hogan's administration.

On Thursday, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh put up a job listing seeking an attorney with "substantial experience" with state and federal public records laws. Continue… 

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