June 16, 1999



Mayor Joe Norton
City of Summerville
Summerville City Hall
Summerville, GA 30747

Dear Mayor Norton:

     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.

     Winston E. Espy has brought to our attention his concerns that you and the Summerville City Council have made decisions about how much money to offer in settlement of a case, as well as final decisions about accepting settlement demands, while in executive session.  We are concerned that such activity is contrary to public interest.  Although we understand that discussions regarding the value of a case might be discussed during executive session, a decision or vote as to how much the City is willing to offer in settlement most certainly should be public.

     I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

                                             Sincerely,



                                             Hollie Manheimer
                                             Executive Director

cc:  GFAF Board of Directors