CHEYENNE (WNE)  — Wyoming’s statutorily required public records ombudsman position has been vacant since the beginning of March, and officials are seeking a replacement.

The position was created with the passage of Senate File 57 by the Wyoming Legislature in 2019 and has served as a resource for the public and government agencies. The ombudsman handles public records requests submitted to state government agencies and investigates public records complaints related to any level of government through mediation.

Michael Pearlman, communications director for Gov. Mark Gordon’s office, confirmed that former records ombudsman Darlena Potter left March 1. He was not able to provide details on who had taken over Potter’s duties, and Deputy Chief of Staff Betsy Anderson didn’t respond to a request for comment before press time.

It’s considered an important position by those interested in furthering government transparency.

Longtime Cheyenne media attorney Bruce Moats has advocated for years in Wyoming for public records and meetings access, and he was made aware recently of the ombudsman’s absence by a client. That person had made a request and pointed out an email response from the office stating the position was vacant.

He has been curious as to whether there was an announcement, or what actions were being taken to fill the position.

“The purpose for it was to try to get individual citizens, rather than media organizations — to help them get records that they otherwise might not be able to obtain,” he told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. “I think that was a laudable goal.”

Moats said he doesn’t know whether the position has lived up to its desired role, from what he has heard from people who are dealing with the office, but he said it is still crucial. He considers it a way for citizens to get assistance without the cost of hiring an attorney.