Via email
Ronald Durbin
c/o Kimberly Rennie, Whitbeck Beglis
krennie@wblaws.com
Grand River Dam Authority
c/o Adam Doverspike, Gable Gotwals
adoverspike@gablelaw.com
Re: Public Access Counselor Advisement – Complaint No. 2026-34
Dear Counsel,
I am writing with respect to the above-referenced complaint submitted to the Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) by Mr. Durbin. Having considered the views of both sides, I have determined that no further action is warranted. I reached this determination for two reasons.
First, Mr. Durbin’s request for records is extraordinarily broad. At the same time, GRDA’s request for advance payment of $100,000 to search and copy its records also seems excessive and pushes the bounds of what may be allowed under the Open Records Act (“ORA”). See 51 O.S.Supp.2025, § 24A.5(4). However, as permitted by the ORA, GRDA invited Mr. Durbin to narrow his request to reduce its own administrative burden and the cost to Mr. Durbin,. See id. § 24A.5(7). It is my understanding that Mr. Durbin has made no attempt to do so. At this point in the process, any resolution that facilitates public access without unduly disrupting the public business of GRDA would require a level of fact-finding that my office is neither equipped nor statutorily authorized to undertake.
Second, and relatedly, the issues raised by Mr. Durbin are pending for determination in front of two separate district courts involving the same parties. It would be premature and potentially confuse matters further to insert a third decision-maker into this process.
I would urge both parties to work in good faith to resolve this matter equitably. With this letter, my involvement in this matter is concluded.
Sincerely,
Anthony Sykes
Assistant Attorney General
Public Access Counselor
