By:  Diane Benjamin

Since McLean County only had one previous Freedom of Information case (filed by me) judges need time to familiarize themselves with the law and requirements.  That’s another way of saying nothing interesting happened.

The City is going to try to drag this case out as long as possible, just like the last one.  George Boyle represented the City, he talked about calling witnesses.  The law is really clear, so they can call whoever they want.  They are just wasting more of your money.

Just so everybody is clear on why I filed:

• John Butler created a separate company inside the Coliseum for concessions-BMI
• BMI is required to pay the CIAM a percentage of all concession sales
• The City owns the Point-of-Sale equipment that concession sales are logged on
• BMI refuses to release the reports showing gross sales, therefore the accuracy of payments to CIAM can not be verified
• The City, as far as I know, is allowing this insane practice to happen
• Every dime that goes through the Coliseum belongs to taxpayers, not BMI or CIAM (Central Illinois Arena Management) because the facility is owned by the City, the Point-of-Sale is owned by the City, and CIAM/BMI doesn’t rent or property taxes
• The FOIA law clearly states that documents in the hands of a contractor are subject to FOIA
• CIAM is audited, BMI Concessions is not

The City of Bloomington needs to explain why citizens have no right to verify public funds are properly accounted for.  Evidently they have never heard:  Trust, but verify.

I’m also suing for the payroll.  Citizens have a right to know who is getting paid and how much, especially since revenues are decreasing while payroll is increasing.

Since the City intends to play hard ball, I think I will be bringing in my own lawyer.  More costs to taxpayers when we win and the City is forced to pay.

Send the Council a thank-you card!