Comments on: A Sad Night at Council

By: Jim Sack

Jim Sack — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:07:07 +0000

I brought it up again and Harper and Shoaff nodded agreement while Mr. Smith remained silent. Next step…hmmm, not sure. I may ask Sandy to how that might be done. She was in too festive a mood last night, Kennedy and all.

By: Douglas B

Douglas B — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:22:41 +0000

Thanks, Jim. When I get back to the midwest, I’ll see what the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press can specificaly suggest. Also, I have an email out to the Open Meeting/Records person in Indianapolis.

By: Jim Sack

Jim Sack — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:57:04 +0000

In fact, Doug, I think I will ask about this tonight….

By: Jim Sack

Jim Sack — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:07:45 +0000

Well, I mentioned this to Smith, Shoaff and Harper after the meeting. Smith was opposed to putting the web site. Shoaff was fully in favor, as I expected him to be. Harper ordered another beer. I think, humor, or attempt at humor, aside, he would be in favor. Mitch has nothing to hide. Tom Smith was concerned about privacy and about hindering frank communications. I think he misunderstands.

By: DouglasB

DouglasB — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:09 +0000

I'm amused by Mr Sack's comment about Mr. Pape: "Tim Pape wondered what the community would think if the emails were to be posted on the web for all to see."

I wonder where Mr. Pape was when Council President Bender, and others, complained about "all those emails" people sent him about the Calhoun Street fiasco. Would Mr. Pape have been so eager to publish those emails then?

Further, The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press' Open Goverment Guide has fascinating detail on the Indiana Open Door Law and the Indiana Access to Public Records Act. prepared by Jan M. Carroll of BARNES & THORNBURG in Indy. Emails sent to public officials of a legislative body are not excluded from the public.

I can not imagine why no one has forced our Imperial City Council to make public the letters and emails they recieve from constituents regarding pending ordinances. It would be very revealing…..

So, who steps up and demands this stuff? Tim Pape….you go first.