Government

Attorney General Abbott’s open records administrator wins Open Doors Award

Hadassah Schloss honored for leadership in open government

April 24, 2006

AUSTIN—Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott praised Hadassah Schloss of his Open Records Division after she was presented with the Open Doors Award from the Fort Worth Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

The award was one of several presented as part of the group's annual First Amendment Awards recognizing journalists and other professionals in Texas and Oklahoma who are leaders in the field of open government and open records.

“An open government is essential to ensuring public confidence and accountability,” said Attorney General Abbott. “It’s no surprise to me that Hadassah was recognized with the Open Doors Award, but it’s gratifying that others have noticed her exceptional work as well. I thank her for her tremendous commitment to the people of Texas.”

Schloss joined the Texas Attorney General’s Office in August 2005 after serving as the Open Records liaison for the Texas Building and Procurement Commission. Coincidentally, the Executive Director at the time was Jim Muse, now the Attorney General’s Deputy for Administration.

Muse also commended Schloss for her service: “Hadassah has gained the utmost respect of countless state agency leaders and employees for her humorous and personable approach to teaching Open Records. I have known Hadassah for nearly seven years and congratulate her for this outstanding achievement.”

As Attorney General Abbott’s Cost Rules Administrator, Schloss fields calls from the public requesting a determination of the cost of their request for copying documents, complaints from requestors about alleged overcharges and requests from government agencies for exemption from the rules or part of the rules. She explains the Public Information Act cost rules often to law firms representing multiple school districts, constituents around the state and satellite offices of larger entities, and regularly teaches classes on the cost rules for requests.

In 1996, Schloss received the James Madison Award from the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, which is presented annually to those whose appreciation and respect for the First Amendment and open government have been demonstrated by exemplary actions, words or deeds.

Attorney General Abbott has championed the free flow of information throughout his administration. He strongly supported bills passed by the 2005 Texas Legislature to require public officials to undergo training in Texas' open government laws and to open the investment of public funds to more scrutiny. In 2005, he was a recipient of the James Madison Award for his unwavering commitment to open government. Katherine "Missy" Cary, who heads the Open Records Division, received the award in 2003.

Information on this and other topics is available on the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

This document with cartoon and two links was posted March 24, 2006 at 11:58 p.m. C.S.T.
The rest of the document was posted March 25, 2006.