a) A requestor whose request has been denied by the Freedom of Information Officer may appeal the denial to the Director of the Department.

1. 1) The notice of appeal shall be in writing and sent to:

   Director

   State of Illinois

   Department of Financial Institutions

   160 North LaSalle, Room 500

   Chicago, Illinois 60601.

2. 2) The notice of appeal shall include:

   1. A) A copy of the original request.
   2. B) A copy of the denial received by the requestor.
   3. C) A statement of the reasons why the appeal should be granted.

b) The Director shall respond as follows to this appeal within seven (7) working days after receiving notice of appeal (however, failure to respond within allotted time may be considered by the requestor an affirmation of the denial):

1. 1) The Director shall either affirm the denial; or
2. 2) The Director shall provide access to the requested public records.