Gov. Pat Quinn uses his own BlackBerry for government business, saying it saves taxpayers the cost of providing an official cell phone. The practice also allows the governor to avoid public records laws.
By using his own phone, Quinn can make official calls and conduct business by e-mail without having to disclose any of his activities under the Freedom of Information Act.
A spokesman says the Democratic governor won't voluntarily release phone records for his private BlackBerry.
Quinn promised to improve government transparency when he replaced ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich in January, and watchdog groups say Quinn's private phone use is worrisome.
Quinn took office in January when lawmakers removed Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office after his arrest on federal corruption charges.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
By using his own phone, Quinn can make official calls and conduct business by e-mail without having to disclose any of his activities under the Freedom of Information Act.
A spokesman says the Democratic governor won't voluntarily release phone records for his private BlackBerry.
Quinn promised to improve government transparency when he replaced ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich in January, and watchdog groups say Quinn's private phone use is worrisome.
Quinn took office in January when lawmakers removed Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office after his arrest on federal corruption charges.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
