Politics

County attorney recognized for open government response

By Bill Moss, Published: March 16, 2016

Henderson County Attorney Russ Burrell won an award from the North Carolina Open Government Coalition for his quick and accommodating response to public records requests.

The Sunshine Award goes to an individual who has "provided outstanding access to public information” through granting requests, innovation and delivery and internal training programs.

“Mr. Burrell responds quickly to records request," said the nominator, who was not identified. "His response is generally the fastest in Western North Crolina. He takes the view that records are open to inspection from the start instead of secret from the start unless deemed otherwise.”

The director of the Open Government Coalition wrote that when Burrell was notified that he had won the recognition, the attorney responded, "You mean for doing my job?"