Kingston Confirms Email FOIL Requests Still Valid

Kingston officials have clarified that residents can continue to submit Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests via email, despite a recent message suggesting otherwise. City Clerk Elisa Tinti had informed requesters that the city would no longer accept email FOILs, directing them to use a more complex online process instead. However, Assistant Corporation Counsel Matthew Jankowski confirmed that state law mandates municipalities to accept email requests, and the city will adhere to this requirement.

According to Daily Freeman, the online system was introduced to streamline the handling of the approximately 400 FOIL requests the city has received this year, not to replace email submissions. Jankowski explained that the online process was intended to make it easier to manage the volume of requests and ensure they are routed to the correct department.

Kristin O’Neil, the deputy director and counsel for the Committee on Open Government, also emphasized that the city cannot refuse email requests, citing a provision in the statute that requires acceptance of such requests. Jankowski stated that he would clarify the protocol with Tinti, who handles the majority of FOIL requests for the city.

Tinti mentioned that the change was made for "continuity" and referred further questions to the Corporation Counsel’s Office. The city’s clarification ensures that residents retain the option to file FOIL requests by email, in compliance with state law.