AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Texas Attorney General's office has ruled in favor of a local independent newspaper trying to get information about Downtown Amarillo Incorporated, or DAI.
At the center of the controversy is whether DAI is a public or private entity since it accepts city funds, and with the AG's ruling, some of that private information will have to be made public.
DAI was formed two years ago as a private entity charged with developing a strategic plan for downtown. About 80 percent of DAI is funded through the city.
Because of that, the Amarillo Independent Newspaper and publisher George Schwarz believe all minutes, financial reports and it's check registry should be made public. He asked the Texas attorney general office to rule on just that, and this week, they agreed with him.
"Therefore, that which is public anyway with any other public body, ought to be public with DIA. Essentially, the attorney general agreed with me," said Schwarz.
He says he's suspicious of their activities behind closed doors and wants more transparency in their public dealings.
(Question) "Do you believe there's something to uncover?"
"You know, yeah, I do. I'd like to connect the dots and see who's helping who in downtown," replied George.
DAI executive director Melissa Dailey says some of their work would qualify for exemptions under state law but added DAI has nothing to hide.
"We're not trying to hide anything. We've been very, very open and I think the press that's been received over the past year is evident of that. We've been very open in trying to engage the public and relay what's going on."
Dailey added the board has not yet scheduled a meeting to discuss the ruling and adds legal counsel has been brought in. But expects to be in complete compliance within the two week window given.
"We are consulting with legal council and will comply within the time limits by law."
At the end of the grace period if DAI has not turned over the requested documents, they could be forced into district courts to fight the A.G.'s ruling.
