April 28, 2006

Mayor Jimmy Jackson

City Council Members Crocker, Frazier, Leidner, Martin, and Pike

City of Hogansville 

301 East Main Street

Hogansville, Georgia 30230

Dear Mayor and Council Members:

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 Hogansville City Council appears to have held improperly noticed public meetings for the purpose of hiring a new city manager.  See O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1.  Additionally, the city council appears to have withdrawn improperly into executive session.  See O.C.G.A. § 50-14-4.  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. which sets forth the requirements for properly held public meetings.

            I have enclosed a copy of “Georgia’s Sunshine Laws: A Citizen’s Guide to Open Government,” 3^rd edition, which discusses the Open Meetings Act 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 City Council’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

            Danny Daniel, Esq., Daniel, Haddon & Alford, P.C., City Attorney