July 25, 2006

 

James Thomas, Chairman

Wayne County Board of Commissioners

341 East Walnut Street

Jesup, Georgia 31546

 

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 was brought to our attention that the county commission may not be complying properly with open records requests made by citizens to the commission.  As you know, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 (b), “[a]ll public records of an agency… shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this state at a reasonable time and place.”    As you also know, the purpose of the open records act is to encourage public access to information in order that the public can evaluate the expenditure of public funds and the efficient and proper functioning of its institutions, but also to foster confidence in government through openness to the public.  See Athens Observers, Inc. v Anderson, 245 Ga. 63 (1980).

            I have enclosed a copy of “Georgia’s Sunshine Laws: A Citizen’s Guide to Open Government,” 3rd edition, which discusses both the open records and meetings 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 of the open government laws.

 

We would appreciate an explanation of what will be done to remedy any violations that go against the interests of the public.  Thank you.

 

                                                Sincerely,

 

                                                            Hollie Manheimer

Cc:       GFAF Board of Directors