May 12, 2006

Chairman Terry Thomas

Brantley County Commission

P.O. Box 829

Nahunta, GA 31553

Dear Chairman Thomas:

I am writing on behalf of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. We are an organization that seeks to advance the cause of open government and monitors freedom of information issues throughout this state.

It has been brought to our attention that the Brantley County Commission appears to have improperly conducted its public meetings because of improper voting procedure. See O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1. Additionally, the county commission appears to be failing to comply properly with the requirements of the open records act. See O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. We are concerned that these activities are contrary to public policy and urge you to review O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq. and O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. which set forth the requirements for properly held public meetings and the release of public records.

I have enclosed a copy of “Georgia’s Sunshine Laws: A Citizen’s Guide to Open Government,” 3^rd edition, which discusses the both the acts as well as other open government issues pertinent to your work. Similarly, this foundation would be pleased to visit with you and conduct a workshop on the mechanics of both the Open Meetings and Open Records laws.

We would appreciate an explanation as to why the county commission’s practices appear to contravene the public interest. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hollie Manheimer

Executive Director

Enclosures

Cc: GFAF Board