Skirting the Sunshine Law

By Bill Shenko

Was it a bad dream, a cheap novel or did all of this really happen? happen? An "emergency" and purposefully clandestine meeting called by Town Council in a small beach town to discuss an article in an adult film industry publication, then "continuing" the meeting to "avoid" bad press. A small town manager fired for "no cause," or maybe "for cause, without cause," or maybe for the wrong cause all while ignoring his offer to resign. Council members calling in their votes from their summer homes, because it is too hot in Florida, in many respects. A public meeting which we didn't tell the public about, the decision made is possibly void. Will the Town now be forced to replay that meeting again and again? A Councilperson with a "Press" license plate lectured the press not to overly report or interfere with her business of governing. Finding more fun in skirting the Sunshine law than complying with it. Well, it worked in the past for the seaweed! A local prosecutor who could care less regarding the antics because no one complains, even though it makes international news. The only missing plot line is the rumor of a slate of candidates running in the next election to bring back the film festival, and it's new source of tourists. In my classes in government law I learned that the basics were to know how to count to three when there are five decision makers, and more importantly, knowing when to say NO to a really bad idea. While I may agree with the ultimate decision, the path to the decision was surely filled with twists, turns, irrational excuses, poor advice, and shady gatherings which when viewed in the light of day are fodder for a cheap novel. Maybe someone should have just said NO to avoiding the Sunshine! With advice like this, it is not the first time questions arise to bite our leaders in the rear, and probably won't be the last.

Bill Shenko is a former town councilman.



<<< BACK

If you'd like Tidelines mailed to your home or business each month call Lee at 470-3407 and let him know. It's free.