Iowa Public Information Board hires director

DES MOINES – The board overseeing a new state agency hired an executive director Thursday, but doesn't know whether it will get funding to carry out its job.

The Iowa Public Information Board hired longtime Statehouse lobbyist Keith Luchtel as executive director. Among his clients was the Iowa Newspaper Association, which, for many years, was headed by Bill Monroe, now chairman of the Iowa Public Information Board.

Luchtel, who was integrally involved in passage of the law establishing the public information board, sees it as his mission to get the new agency up and running July 1.

“We need to get it staffed, equipped and find a physical location,” he said after being offered the job by the nine-member board of representatives of media, government and the public.

His hiring was not unanimous and not without criticism.

Rep. Vicki Lensing, D-Iowa City, who championed the legislation establishing the Iowa Public Information Board – a six-year effort Monroe likened to “pushing noodles uphill” – was disappointed in the selection of a lobbyist to lead the agency.

“I thought the legislative intent clear that we wanted an executive director with legal experience and speaking skills, not a lobbyist,” she said. “They went for a lobbyist.”

However, Monroe said Luchtel's experience as a lobbyist, his contacts and his familiarity with the law made him the best choice.

“The more we discussed this, it was obvious one person can't do it all,” Monroe said. “He's the best qualified to get us where we need to be.”

That includes getting an adequate budget. The Iowa House has proposed a $100,000 appropriation. The governor asked for $490,000 and the Senate is proposing $450,000.

“If all we get is $100,000, then Job One will be to convince people we need more,” Monroe said. “He's the best person to do that.”

Beginning July 1, the agency will have the authority to issue both informal advice and declaratory orders with the force of law regarding the state's open meetings and records laws; offer training and disseminate information; investigate complaints; seek resolution of disputes, and act to enforce the law.

The board meets again May 16.