Fourth Estate 48 is back... kind of

A life update and some public records news to share.

If I printed out all the records I’ve received it would probably look something like this.

First up: Let’s begin with the public records news because this is, of course, a public records newsletter.

Republican Rep. Michael Carbone has sponsored HB2593 with a host of bipartisan lawmakers as co-sponsors, aiming to update Arizona's public records law.

The bill language stipulates that public bodies must respond to all records requests within five business days, confirming receipt of the request, providing contact information, and indicating the expected date for processing the records. "Willfully or intentionally" refusing to comply could subject the body to a penalty ranging from $500 to $5,000 per occurrence, with consideration given to previous violations.

Dealing with public agencies regularly, I've noticed that very few of them provide a date or estimated time for turning over records. Therefore, imposing a five-business day limit is intriguing.

One of the biggest flaws in the current public records law is the inclusion of "prompt" in the timeline for records fulfillment without a clear definition. Setting a five-day limit seems to be an attempt to define "prompt" in statute, which could significantly enhance government transparency.

I will closely follow HB2593 to identify supporting or opposing organizations and anticipate likely amendments.

And now, here’s my latest:

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In the cozy corner of my home office (my couch), surrounded by the comforting snores of my dogs, the gentle purrs of my cat in the next room and the harsh glow of my laptop’s screen (which has likely made my vision worse) I made a decision that feels like bidding adieu to an old friend.

Journalism and I are parting ways. Kind of.

The thrill of getting in the face of politicians and asking tough questions are memories I will treasure, but the demanding pace and modest remuneration had cast a shadow over our once ardent relationship.

Bidding farewell to an industry I wanted to be a part of since I was sixteen writing entertainment stories for my editor, my older brother, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the days when deadlines were my frenemies, and the only dress code was a pair of comfy sweats. Journalism had been a love affair, filled with the excitement of crafting engaging content and the occasional victory in the battle against a tight deadline… or a public records battle. However, the relentless stress and the financial struggles had turned our love story into a bittersweet chapter.

I never got into journalism for the money. I’m not that crazy. But weighing my plans for the future, I knew doing this full-time would not be sustainable or provide me with enough stability. Like everyone else, I have bills to pay and times got rough with inflation as bad as it was (and still is in a lot of areas).

Armed with a virtual portfolio and a heart laden with memories, I embarked on a new journey into the uncharted terrain of communications… or the “other side” if you will.

If I could navigate the fast-paced world of political reporting in a battleground state like Arizona, surely I could master the art of strategic communication.

In my farewell message to journalism as a full-time job, I acknowledge the reality of the industry –– the notorious mix of high stress and meager compensation. I express my gratitude for the adrenaline-fueled moments but admit that my bank account has endured more stress than my ever-tired eyes. I am leaving, not out of disdain (nor on a jet plane), but out of a desire for financial stability and a slightly more predictable work-life balance.

As I settle into my new communications role, I’ve found solace in the fact that my words will still have a home, even if it isn’t in your inboxes three days a week. I had already said goodbye to seeing my name in print and on the front page of a paper. The communications world, with its polished press releases and carefully crafted messages, embraced me with open arms. My love for storytelling hasn't faded; it has simply found a new platform.

Part-time writing evolved into a dedicated pursuit, a discreet engagement with journalism that I was reluctant to relinquish completely. Late nights were spent calling sources for tips/scoops and digging into campaign finance reports. The compensation was still modest, but the stress was considerably lighter.

Big news alert: I've officially assumed the role of Communications Coordinator at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA). Additionally, I'm now the occasional watchdog journalist behind the only local publication committed to holding public officials accountable through exhaustive analysis of public records.

As such, I am deciding to keep everything on here without a paywall, and subscriptions will remain optional. It’s still set at $5/month and $50/year, but I will also accept Venmo payments to dillon-rosenblatt if you prefer that method over recurring payments with auto-renew.

Additionally, since I firmly believe in transparency — which extends to myself — I will not be touching any subject that could appear as a conflict of interest with my day job.

Nothing I do on Fourth Estate 48 is a reflection of AzHHA’s beliefs only my own. Everything I report and publish will continue to be factually accurate and verifiable and my public records will continue to speak for themselves.

I appreciate the nearly 2,000 of you who have stuck around during my months-long mental health break, and I am excited to be in a much better place mentally and physically and continue on this records journey with you all.

Now let’s get to work and please send me some records ideas!

Don’t forget to share with your friends and colleagues.