Wednesday, March 6, 2002
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Wednesday, March 6, 2002 |
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Solicitor won't prosecute open meetings violations Re your front page editorial Feb. 27: Congratulations on your victory in obtaining a temporary injunction in stopping local governments from meeting in secret. Thinking back, the reason these illegal meetings occur is that they don't think they will get caught, and even if they do, "Good Old Boy" politics will get them off scott free. Three of our sitting commissioners, Dunn, Wells, and Frady, violated the Sunshine Law (OCGA 50-14-1 through 6) and were not charged by Solicitor Harris because, according to Harris, they admitted it. Does this mean you can break any law you want, but just admit it, and you will not be charged? Not a chance. Only our government officials seem to have this advantage. When you meet to obtain the permanent injunction, you may want to bring this information to the attention of the court. In my opinion, those named should be voted out of office at the earliest opportunity. For readers who want to read the text of OCGA 50-14-1 through 6, I think they will find it easy reading and very straightforward. My complaint with this code is that the most a violator can receive is a $500 fine. I suggest a minimum fine of $5,000 and a year in jail. For those that care to read the code, it may be found at http://ganet.org/services/ocode/ocgsearch.htm. John Regan Fayetteville
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