This 2012 episode of KET's "One to One" focuses on the open records law. The program features Bill Goodman and the law's architect, Jon Fleischaker, as well as former Advocate Messenger editor and Kentucky Press Association president, John Nelson.

One significant takeaway from the program is the recognition that the role of the attorney general in relation to the open records law has evolved over time.

Each new attorney general, and each member of his management team, brings new challenges for the merit staff who discharge the duties statutorily assigned to the office of attorney general.

The office functions best when the attorney general permits the merit staff to utilize the skills and knowledge the staff has acquired through the years without political influence or interference. It function poorly, or not at all, when the attorney general and his management staff ignore existing practice -- and the body of law that has developed over time -- and attempt to "put the AG's mark" on the open records law.

Precedent not politics should govern this unique function within the office of the attorney general.

One thing is certain, whoever is elected attorney general must see to its proper conclusion the litigation between the public universities and their student newspapers. The current attorney general intervened in these cases to defend the statutory ability of his open records staff to confidentially inspect disputed records in an open records appeal. Without this ability, his staff is reduced to a "rubber stamp" for public agency denials in closely contested cases.

The next attorney general should welcome the input and value the experience of his merit staff rather than view it as a threat to his future aspirations.He should vigorously defend his merit staff's statutory authority under the open records law.