Indiana’s newest public access counselor worked as a reporter early in his career.
Gov. Mike Pence appointed Luke Britt to the position. His first day was Aug. 26.
Britt said educating the public and government officials will be his focus as he acclimates himself to the job.
“The more the public is informed, the more public agencies are informed, the better people can see what government is doing,” he said. “That benefits Hoosiers as a whole.”
Steve Key, HSPA executive director and general counsel, plans to meet with Britt this week.
“The HSPA looks forward to continuing our work with the public access counselor’s office in promoting access to information,” Key said. “The joint public education programs we’ve conducted with the attorney general’s office have been well received around the state.”
Britt previously served as an attorney and operations manager for the Indiana State Department of Health and as an attorney for the Department of Child Services and for R. Lee Money law firm in Greenwood.
Britt received his undergraduate degree in journalism from Franklin College and his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He has also completed course work toward a Master’s of Business Administration degree at the University of Indianapolis.
Britt attended Franklin College as a Pulliam fellow and worked at the school TV station and the student newspaper as a campus reporter and sports editor.
He worked as a reporting intern at the Banner-Graphic (Greencastle).
As the public access counselor, Britt will provide advice, assistance and education concerning Indiana’s access laws to members of the public and government entities. The office also publishes advisory opinions regarding Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act and Open Door law.
“The governor’s office has been supportive in encouraging me to be objective and independent – to follow the law, to make decisions based on the statues,” Britt said. “They’re very encouraging of transparency.”
Britt replaces Joe Hoage, who will serve as chief legal counsel for the Department of Natural Resources. Britt’s term runs through June 30, 2015.
