2005 WELTNER FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BANQUET

Chief Justice Fletcher criticizes "The sudden great assault on openness in government" in the legislature:  'I am afraid that if darkness is allowed to cloak public contracts and public business, it could well result in paving the road to economic hell for our citizens'

 By Tom Bennett

Atlanta, March 4, 2005  -- Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher, the 2005 recipient of the Charles Weltner Freedom of Information award, is a man of his word, and as he nears retirement from the Georgia Supreme Court, his word is getting to be very vigorous indeed.

"Charles Weltner was my hero," Fletcher said at the March 4 banquet in Atlanta.  "Charlie spent a lifetime pursuing truth, openness and honesty. Openness is the greatest preservative of truth and honesty.  "He stressed a long overlooked part of the Georgia Constitution.

" 'Public officers are the trustees of the people.' "It follows then the trustees should hide nothing from the beneficiaries of that trust -- the people." 

"I know Charley would agree with what was likely my last opinion on open records, City of Atlanta v. Corey Entertainment. 

"We concluded that the need for open government, particularly in the area of government contracts, must tip the scales in favor of disclosure.

"It grieves me how soon they forget under the Gold Dome. On the day this event was originally scheduled Atlanta had a snowstorm, something we call an Act of God. I think it was well that the occasion was providentially delayed. For it has given the press time to reveal the sudden great assault on openness in government.

"Senate Bill 5, House Bill 218, House Bills 340 and 347...

"Thank goodness for the united front of the press. Even Jim Wooten and Cynthia Tucker (of the Journal-Constitution) agreed. Great editorials, and the public has responded with great outrage.

"This week, a member of the General Assembly said House Bill 218 (for industrial development secrecy) is well intended. I have no doubt it was, but many well-intended acts turn out to be disasters. As a young boy, I heard my Momma and a preacher remind us that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

"I am afraid that if darkness is allowed to cloak public contracts and public business, it could well result in paving the road to economic hell for our citizens...

"One thing is certain. Doing business in the back room is never of benefit to those who will pay the price for all decisions, the taxpayers.

"So, media, keep up the good work. The taxpayers need you.

"I thank the First Amendment Foundation for this wonderful evening and your most special award. Dale Russell, I thank you for the great video. I will treasure this award for the rest of my life."

The dignitaries attending the fourth Weltner Banquet at the Westin Buckhead included:

Georgia Supreme Court justices Harris Hines Leah Ward Sears and her husband Haskell Ward; U.S. Northern District federal court Judges Marvin Shoob his wife Janiece and Judge Tom Thrash and his wife Meg; Fulton Superior Court Judge Stephanie Manis with her husband Robert; State Senators Judson Hill and Steve Henson and State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver; and GBI Director Vernon Keenan and his wife Joan; and Charlie Weltner, Jr., Philip Weltner, and Susan Weltner Yow, children of the late Chief Justice Charles L. Weltner. The latter is namesake for the award and championed ethics and open government while on the court up until his death in 1992.  Executive counsel Harold Melton represented Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Forty sponsors and 180 guests helped the Georgia First Amendment Foundation raise $61,000, twice as much as in any previous year, to continue the work of teaching Georgians this:  We have open meetings and open records, and they are the law.