Sonya Witherspoon investigates public record access issues with iDocket and county clerks

The San Patricio County Commissioner’s Court convened on April 22, 2025, to address various community concerns and procedural matters. The meeting featured public comments, including a detailed account from resident Sonya Witherspoon regarding her experiences with accessing public records.

Witherspoon, a Precinct 3 resident, expressed her commitment to transparency and accountability among elected officials. She outlined her efforts to obtain documented proof of actions taken by county officials, emphasizing her methodical approach to research before submitting public information requests. She highlighted the challenges she faced, including the necessity of a subscription to iDocket to access case numbers, which she found costly and cumbersome.

During her address, Witherspoon detailed her frustrations with the iDocket system, noting that she incurred significant expenses—over $300—for limited access to documents. She also raised concerns about the release of non-redacted files and the implications of accessing sealed records, which prompted immediate action from the district clerk's office following her discussions with an investigative reporter.

Following Witherspoon's comments, the court moved on to the next speaker, Leah Martinez, who was also given three minutes to present her concerns. The meeting continued with a structured agenda, allowing for public input while addressing various county matters.

Overall, the session underscored ongoing issues related to public access to information and the importance of transparency in local governance. The court's responsiveness to public concerns remains a critical aspect of its operations, as residents seek clarity and accountability from their elected officials. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated in future meetings as the court navigates these challenges.