Pennsylvania Supreme Court Says Judges Must Make Candidate Information Public

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's court system is telling county judges to make public information about candidates when filling government vacancies by appointment.

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported Sunday the state Supreme Court rule ends a years-long effort by the paper, prompted by its inability to get a list of 30 candidates seeking to fill a vacancy among the Lycoming County commissioners.

The rule says that judges must release the list of candidates and application materials upon request.

The issue arose after Jeff Wheeland left the board to take a state House seat, and the paper was unable to get the list of the applicants being considered from President Judge Nancy Butts.

Another judge subsequently ruled the records weren't subject to disclosure.

The state's Right-to-Know Law requires the courts to disclose only certain financial records.

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