End Executive Session and End The Corruption!!!!!

The Most Corrupt City In America!!!!

Executive session is used for three main reason to discuss litigation, personnel, or real estate.


These reason were put in the open records act to cover lawmakers butts. They made the law and they use this law. What they also did was include the word "MAY" when referring to when they could go into executive session.



Let's take a look at some of things St Marys used executive session for...



Personnel: Well one name comes to mind her Janet Brinko, That executive session will cost the city 1 million dollars!!!!



Real Estate: Well only one thing comes to mind on that, Gilman Boathouse!!!!!!!



That cost the city 1.3 million, maybe more since there will probably be some legal issues involved with how the purchased it and the fact that others had offered to buy it.



Litigation: This is were they will be spending alot more executive session time in the coming months. And let's face it if their attorney does not know that the city can be investigated by the grand jury, maybe it is time to find a new attorney!!!!!!



If they would end executive sessions and do the peoples work in public we would have to meet in private behind closed doors and be sued by it's people.



End executive session and end the corruption!!!!
 
For more on open government posts follow the link below:
 

http://schoolpolice.blogspot.com/search/label/Open%20Government

Executive Session Must Go (My Response To Mr. Howard)

If you have not read Mr. Howard's response to my letter to the editer, please scroll to the next post before reading this one

Mr Howard,



Thank you for your quick and informative response. As many know I have been working for open government in Camden for the last two years. I have fully researched both the open records and open meetings laws. I totally agree with you that the commissioners can meet in private for the reasons you stated. My point is that it is not required by law, reasons were put in the open meetings law to protect the elected. And who wrote the law? Yes the elected, but they left it open for the people to choose. I believe the majority of Camden County would vote to end executive session in Camden County for all governing bodies, not just the commissioners. Our school board breaks the law at every meeting, just by what their agenda says. It says, that if someone has a complaint that the board feels they should not address in public, they will take that individual back into executive session with them. As I am sure you know that is an illegal action, as only the members of the board are allowed in executive session. If they take that individual back with them, then they are hearing evidence in private, which is once again is illegal. Here is the link to the most recent agenda, just click on the public participation link on the side bar. https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4025&MID=8775



Mr. Howard, I am glad that you are our County Manger. I think you have done a wonderful job thus far, But you don't know the history of Camden County. Our government is filled with friends and family, and that is to be expected in such a small community. What is not expected, or maybe it is, is that they will lie, cheat, and steal for each other. This is what needs to stop, and the only way for that to happen is complete and total open government.



I have made a few comments under the portion of your email where you talked about reasons for executive session. My comments are in red.



From your e-mail:



Additionally, I would like to provide you with some additional information regarding Executive Sessions. Although there are a number of reasons the Commissioners can hold an executive session, our Commissioners generally hold such a session for one of three reasons: to discuss litigation, personnel, or real estate.

An executive session for litigation allows the Commissioners to seek legal advice from their counsel on pending or potential litigation, settlements, administrative proceedings or other judicial actions. Such discussions wherein the Commissioners are seeking advice from the County Attorney are attorney-client privileged, and the open meetings law in no way repeals the attorney-client privilege. However, after speaking with the County Attorney on a pending claim, for example, if it is the desire of the Commissioners for the County Attorney to proceed with the negotiation of a settlement, that action for negotiation must be taken in the open meeting. Likewise, once both parties agree to a settlement. The acceptance of the terms of the settlement must also be approved in an open meeting.



Attorney-client privilege, Who is the client? Are the Commissioners being sued? NO, the taxpayers of this county are. If the commissioners did no wrong why keep secrets? Isn't the attorney paid for with tax dollars? Holding these meetings in public will end all the "he said, she said" that always surrounds these proceedings. For example the Penny Woodard case. If the defendant does not want their side of the case made public, then I would suggest they not communicate with the board, as by our "new local law" that communication would have to be made in public. Otherwise the court will determine the out come. I believe this would actually lower the number of lawsuits and save the taxpayers money on unnecessary settlements.

Also, the Commissioners will hold an executive session to deliberate on the
appointment, employment, hiring, compensation, disciplinary action, or dismissal of an employee or public officer. For example, the Commissioners will hold an executive session on personnel to discuss qualified applicants for a vacant position. The Commissioners generally do this to protect the applicants from possible retribution from current employers. However, once the Commissioners have narrowed the field and have qualified applicants they are seriously considering hiring, the names of those applicants are made public, and of course, the action to hire is taken in an open meeting.



This is an interesting one, as when anyone applies for a job, the application always says "May we contact your current employer". So I don't buy that one. I am more concerned about compensation, disciplinary action, or dismissal of an employee or public officer. Disciplinary records are open records, so why not the proceedings. Why can't we hear what our commissioners think about the problem or situation? After all they do work for us. If an employee is wrongfully accused, they may be railroad in executive session and lose their job because of one or two commissioners dislike for them, or maybe that employee spoke out against them. It has happened before, and will happen again without open government.



Additionally, our Commissioners will hold an executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate. One reason for this is to keep the value of the property from being artificially inflated. Once the acquisition of the property has been completed, terminated or abandoned, the location of the property is made public.



This one is a shocker, as America was built on Capitalism. Under Capitalism competition is what fuels the American economy. Yet when you do land deals behind closed doors, where is the competition. If there is no competition then land prices are inflated. I believe you will get lower land prices, if you open the door to competition. Otherwise someones family member will get rich on the backs of the taxpayers, and yes this has happened before.

Although the Commissioners may hold discussions or deliberations in executive session on these matters, any action on these matters is always taken in an open meeting.



In closing, I can't understand why anyone would be against doing the peoples business in front of the people. Who are you protecting? I will tell you who gets protection under the current law. It is the board members. Why do they need protection, when each of them took an oath to work for the people.



I would still like to hear the views of those elected. With all due respect Mr. Howard, we didn't elect you and I asked to hear from those who we elected, not the man the elected hired. As I stated above, I think you are doing a good job, keep it up.



Mr. Berry, Mr. Rhodes, Ms. Sears, Mr. Rainer, Ms. Zell,

I would still love to see a letter to the editor from each of you on your views of ending executive session in all of Camden County. Let the past election be a learning tool for all of you. You all are "at will" employees as well. At the will of the people.

My Unedited Letter

No, it was not edited by the T&G. I had to shorten it for the papers 500 word limit.

This letter is followed by a response by Mr Howard, County Manager.

Gregory Supporter Reaches Out To Smith Supporters!!!

Dear Editor,

I know many of those who supported Bill Smith are very angry. I know they all think that Steve Berry is going to grab all the power and control this county. I have a way to ensure this does not happen. We need a County Ordinance for OPEN GOVERNMENT. With the help of those that voted for Gregory and those that vote for Smith, we can achieve another historic victory on taking back our government. For those who are wondering what open government is, simple put it is completely open. We would have no more executive sessions, no more meeting certain people behind closed doors, no more keeping the people in the dark. In an open government, everything is out on the table in front of the people. This ordinance would be for all meetings of any government body in Camden County. According to the Georgia Sunshine Laws, the elected boards may meet in private for several reasons. These exemptions can be accessed at http://www.rcfp.org/ogg/item.php?t=short&state=GA&level=M2A2. The key word in each of these exemptions is the word may. If the elected were required to meet in private the law would say they are required, but it does not so our elected have the choice to meet or not to meet behind closed doors. Yes, it is their choice. They chose to leave us out of their conversations. WHY? They are there to do our business. If everything is on the table no one will be able to hide what they are thinking or doing. Tommy Gregory has already promise an open Sheriff's Office, it is in his six-point plan. That is why I voted for him. Now is the time to get the rest of the county open and in the sunshine. This is the time of year to get these things done. We have an election for County Commissioner in November between Chip Keene and the current Chairman Preston Rhodes. Which candidate will embraces open government? The candidate the runs on an open government platform will win this election and we will be on our way. Unless Mr. Rhodes wants to get started on it right away, then he could add it to his resume. Mr. Rhodes wouldn’t it be nice to campaign on the fact that you got the ball rolling on open government. As for Mr. Berry, I have good news; you Sir are now officially my Commissioner. Yes, I moved to your district, so I could urge you as my commissioner to bring open government to Camden County. I hear you quote to Sunshine Laws all the time at meetings, now is the time to take those laws and make them work for the people. The time has come for the people to take back this county and make it fair and equal for all. Ms. Zell, Ms. Sears, and Mr. Rainer, You all must want open government as well, I do not know how anyone could be against doing the people business in front of them. Do you? In the next few weeks I would ask, each Commissioner to write a letter to the editor, explaining his or her position on open government. Mr. Keene, your comments are also welcomed.

The bottom line is if you want more accountability from our elected officials, then you must demand an open government. This way, everyone will be treated equally and fairly. How could anyone be against OPEN GOVERNMENT?

Click on pic to enlarge:

My comments to follow shortly, what are yours?

Their Open Government still includes hiding in executive session.

The Big Announcement

Folks,
I have several BIG announcements. It started as just one, but now I have several.

First,
I plan on reaching out to the Smith supporters and ask them to help bring open government to Camden County. No I don't mean just follow the current open government laws, I mean a complete open government. No more closed door meetings. No more "you can't see those records". No more "we have personnel issues to discuss", don't the personnel work for us.

Smith supporters are concerned about Steve Berry grabbing all the power. A complete open government would not let that happen. Everyone would be treated equally. If we had this during the Smith years, he would still be in office come 2009, and he wouldn't be in trouble today.Open government will keep all elected honest.

I am going to do all I can to bring this to Camden County. I selected a candidate for Sheriff that campaigned on an open Sheriff's Office, one point of his six point plan. I also moved so I could be in Steve Berry's district and urge him to get on the open government bandwagon. He answered my call when I asked the Commissioners to speak out against Smith, hopefully he will do the same this time.

Folks in District 1, you will have a choice this fall for your commissioner, pick the one that wants open government. Asked both candidates if they believe the peoples business should be done in front of the people.

I am asking the County Commissioners to draft a new County Ordinance making all of Camden County open to the people. This includes city government, the school board, and all these little boards that pop up to waste our money.

Open government hurts no one and helps everyone. Call or email your commissioner and tell them to vote for open government!!!!

District 1 Preston Rhodes e-mail lbrhodes@tds.net

District 2 Katherine "Nisi" Zell e-mail zellblnt@tds.net

District 3 Steve Berry e-mail writersteveberry2@yahoo.com

District 4 Charlene Sears e-mail cjsears@co.camden.ga.us

District 5 David Rainer e-mail drainerga@earthlink.net

Together, let's make this a county, the county that leads the way for open and fair government across the USA.


Other big announcements are not yet complate, but here is what I have been working on:

Did St. Mary's hand out contracts, before a vote was held?

Is the local radio blackout on two away games, just an attempt to make more money?

Will let you know soon.

Stay Tuned

Shortly I will have a huge annoucement that will change politics in Camden forever.

Please stay tuned!!!!!

Sheriff's Office Can't Get Their Stories Straight

In The Tribune and Georgian, published July 9th 2008, the article titled Sheriff's Office halts payments to inmate workers, records show W. Terrell states:
" ....Smith believes that education is essential to success. "Having these Scholarships, which were approved by Atty. General Janet Reno, available to local students makes achieving that success much easier," he said. ....."

But this can't be the truth either, for two reasons:

First, these scholarships were started in 2002; Janet Reno was not in office in 2002.

Second and more importantly, I have a piece of paper signed by Sheriff Smith that states he never used the seized assets outside the guidelines. So, who is not telling the truth?
Smith or Terrell?

Also, in reference to Grant Porter’s letter Fry’s letter spread untruths about Smith. He states that “the county clerk and the finance department cannot produce one letter requesting the expenditures.” That part I hope was referring to Berry, because I am sure they can produce my email, Terrell can show you the same email. It asks for those same records, and here was their response dated June 17, 2007 via email:
“We can provide you with an expenditures report from July 2007 through November 2007. After November 2007, the CCSO was given monthly allotments (less the payroll expenses) to manage, and we have not received an accounting of those allotments as of yet.”

You be the judge!!!

I Can Not Comment On This On Going Case!!!! What Happened To Policy????/

From the Tribune And Georgian

Letters
Sheriff's office throws constitution out the window
Dear Editor, I am writing in response to Ms. Judy Godley's letter, "Berry must choose which side of the fence to be on," March 19. I would love to agree with her, but the laws of this nation say that this man is innocent until proven guilty.I would think a family of law enforcement officers would know that, and why this case? I am sure Berry has defended many people who have broken the law in Camden County, why now? Could this be a political attack like we hear the sheriff say all the time when Berry points out his wrongdoing? Yet, all Berry is doing is defending a man we are to assume is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
My only question to Ms. Godley is where are your other letters? The letters about the sheriff defending a convicted murder, bringing a convicted meth maker back to the county, and of course the letter about the Sheriff's best friend and convicted felon. Where were those letters Ms. Godley?Let's be fair Ms. Godley, if you're going to complain about a conflict of interest, I would expect to see a letter from you next month criticizing Ms. Sears for voting on sheriff's office matters as she is an employee of the sheriff and should not vote on these issues. What is the difference between Berry defending a presumed innocent man and Sears voting on sheriff's office matters?No, I am not an advocate for Berry. In fact I am encouraging all the citizens of Camden County to vote out the present establishment. I do applaud Mr. Berry for standing up and informing the people of Camden County of what we have been saying for years about the sheriff's office, but I can't overlook the years that he overlooked these issues.

Rick Rogers
Kingsland

TRSP Review:
I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry folks, I had things to do. But I am back and ready to go again. Was that letter by Ms. Godley pure crap?

This next letter is ironic. I have no idea who this person is, but they hit the nail on the head.

From the Tribune And Georgian
Letters
No conflict of interest in Berry's case
Dear Editor, In response to Judy Godley's March 19 letter, "(Steve) Berry must choose which side of the fence to be on," a county commissioner neither legislates nor enforces drug law, so how can there exist a "conflict of interest"?An attorney's vocation requires that he defend the accused. Everyone is entitled to this defense by the Constitution of the United States of America. Innocent until proven guilty - there is no exclusion for drug traffickers, terrorists, traitors, murderers or child molesters.
Mr. Berry's issue with the sheriff has no bearing on the right of the individual to the choice of counsel in defense of an accusation or charge nor with an individual's right to practice their vocation.In the current political climate, support of the Constitution and defense of the rights of every citizen as guaranteed in that Constitution merits a person "liberal" or "left wing" or, worse, their integrity is questionable or they are unpatriotic. It is no longer politically correct to be a Constitutionalist.

Penny Rewis

St. Marys

Why Are We Paying This Woman $30,000 A Year

If you already read this please see post below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What does she do? Her title is Public Relations Director. Yet when the public asks for a comment we get I can't comment on that because of my job in the Sheriff's Office. By God that is exactly what the PR director is supposed to do "comment on the office". Yet she sees no conflict of interest. When has she commented on the Sheriff's Office. Well I can only think of one time. here let me share that with you, from this blog posted back in December:

Mr. Rogers,
I find it extremely interesting that you feel so inclined to pass judgement on those who seek only to assist in problem areas whether it be in education, band or politics. You are no beneficial member of society. You take and take but never give back. Look at your history and where you came from. New York, New Jersey, and so on and on. What happens to make you move so much...is the heat getting to you so you have to move on? Or the creditors coming down on you? Before you sweep around others doors you should take a hard look at what is around your own door. I understand one door you visited was the courtroom of Kingsland Police Department.I also think it is comical that you use a dog photo in your profile. It is not far from the truth. I have seen you and was not that impressed to say the least.

Notice she didn't sign her name. But this post does tell me that if Charlene Sears does not think you are good looking she does not want anything to do with you. So all of us that do not impress Charlene Sears can forget about her listening to what you say.

Also notice how a Sheriff's Office employee that I don't know and that does not know me some how thinks she know my background. And I have got to say she is pretty damn close. There are a few errors, but even government computers make mistakes.

Who else does she know about. What about the Sheriff's Background? What? No Comment!!!! Job well done Charlene you should get a raise.

Charlene Sears herself said the Sheriff Office has not told everything about the trusty that stole the money from the jail. Her last comment on that was I would love to tell you more, BUT my position in the Sheriff's Office does not allow me. What? It is your job to tell us more.

So as a Commissioner she can tell us more, but won't because of her other job. But She see no conflict in this.

Then from what I hear from Sandy's blog (http://www.camdenganews.com/blog/) She refused to answer Steve (I finally have had enough of this) Berry's question on who wrote the trusty legislation. She mumbled like a two year old. Are we going to have to start handing out pacifiers and have nap time at these meetings. Is that what you all do in executive session? OMG (I hate that phrase) Is that why you go behind close doors instead of doing the peoples work in front of the people. Really why else would our government want to exclude us. Nap time.

But anyway she refuse to answer the question. Why? Because it was drawn up by the Sheriff's Office.

SO MR. BERRY I MUST AGREE WITH YOU THIS IS CRIMINAL AND IT SHOULD BE DEALT WITH. WILL YOU PLEASE CALL FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO YOUR OWN DEPARTMENT? AS IT SEEMS TO BE JUST AS MESSED UP AS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. AND I AM YELLING. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!!!!!!!

Thank you and as always have a NICE day.

Now Is The Time

Since government as we know it is a disaster here in Camden County, I believe it is time for an open government. Open government is just that OPEN. There are no backroom deals, as a matter of fact there is no executive session. After all, these people are doing our business. Don't you think it's funny when they say no comment. The county is being sued Mr. commissioner what do you think? "No Comment". You see these people think that they are being sued, but it is actually us (the people) being sued, yet we can't know the details. Why? Because they elected probably screwed up ands are trying to hide it. Yes it is fully within the law not to have executive session. That is the choice of the elected. The law states that they may use executive session and in only three or four cases were the law requires the use of executive session. None of which applies to the normal operation of the county.

I am pushing for all of Camden County to lead the way for the rest of the state. This is the only way to ensure that everyone is treated equally.

I will post more on open government so keep checking back.

Mr. Berry if you really have changed and want to really be on the peoples side then you must push for this as well. I will email you more on this later.

How Dumb Are Our Elected Officials?

With the TAD vote right around the corner I have to ask how many of the people who voted for this vote actually know what they were voting on? I have to say none of them. That is why they went to Atlanta, to find out more information according to Larry Johnson. Why did they wait until a month before the vote to find more info? They should have had all the facts on the table before taking a single vote to approve the public vote. They had no clue to what they were voting on. And it is not just the City's fault, the commissioners and BOE did the same thing. I can bet you none of them knew what they were voting on. Except maybe the school board. Remember when this vote happen in November Tricia Smith was on the board, her husband is the Land Mar attorney, so I am sure she knows what this vote was about. How much does Charlie Smith stand to make if this vote is approved? That is the question you all should ask yourselves. If we had an OPEN GOVERNMENT here we would be able to follow the money, but this whole deal was done outside of the public eye, and that is why I will not vote for it.

All Camden County Commissioners Must Resign

I am publicly calling for the resignation of all 5 of our County Commissioners as they can not be trusted to handle the day to day operations of this county. If you are wondering what I am talking about it is on Sandy Feller's Blog (http://www.camdenganews.com/blog/?p=227#comments). Friends and family has struck again. This time I don't think they can dig themselves out of it. They clearly broke their own rules when it comes to hiring.

WHEN TO DO A BACKGROUND AND CREDIT CHECK!!!!!!!
Last year Ms. Sears took it upon herself to do a background and credit check on me. Why? Well can you it was not because I applied for the county managers job. I posted a political comment on Sandy's bog. Now when the time comes to actually do a check on someone for a job none is done.

This is proof that they do not have the county best interest in mind they are there for their own personal gain.

I am still trying to find out who paid for the trip to Washington, but I have not received a reply from my open records request. Check back because I am not even close to being done. This will be the end of this sneaky commission.

Who Paid For These 28 People?

From the T&G
Fly-in trip aims to boost Camden's image
By Emily Goodson
Camden County's potential for growth was the emphasis local leaders made recently during a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.Twenty-eight representatives from the county, three cities and local businesses trekked to D.C. to present Camden's military, educational and quality of life issues to the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Sen. Johnny Isakson and the Pentagon.
Christine Daniel, president of the Camden-Kings Bay Chamber of Commerce, said she thinks the trip was a tremendous success for Camden County."It was very, very successful," she said. "I think the group was very excited about being there, and our issues were listened to."Daniel said she stressed the need for the county to keep affordable housing available to its working class residents."People need to be aware that, with the rising cost of land ... the working class is going to be priced right out of a house," Daniel said, citing firefighters, police officers and teachers as examples. "That's the workforce that we need to survive."

Daniel also said she discussed Cumberland Island's need for wheelchair accessibility with Kingston."People need to be able to travel the island and see the whole island in itself," she said.Currently, Cumberland Island does not conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as access is limited to foot and bicycle traffic.Other issues presented to federal leaders included Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay's potential for growth, but also its aging utility infrastructure. According to an information packet put together by the fly-in group, Kings Bay's infrastructure is about 30 years old, and reaching the end of its useful service life.The group recommended that maintenance funding be allotted to Kings Bay at the same level as Naval shipyards.The theme of Camden's future growth was further emphasized by the $29 million expansion of the Camden Campus of Southeast Georgia Health System. A new, two-story addition to the local hospital will double the size of the current facility and will include emergency, surgery, radiology and cardiopulmonary departments, as well as a maternity center, the packet states.Daniel said she is already excited about next year's fly-in."It was a pleasure to be able to put together such a successful trip," she said. "I look forward to our next fly-in trip."

TRSP Review: I would like to know who paid for these 28 people to fly to Washington, spend a few days, get absolutely nothing accomplished, and fly back? We are looking at 10 grand just in plane tickets. I feel this is a waste of county money. U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Sen. Johnny Isakson all have offices just down the road in Brunswick and Savannah, why not go to them there and let them plead our case in Washington. That is how it is supposed to be done. That is why they are our Reps in Washington. I hope you all enjoyed your trip on the Camden taxpayer.

I Have The Right To All Government Emails in Georgia

According to the Georgia Sunshine Laws ( see link in links section) I do have a right to all electronic communications. So look out. Make sure you read the post under this one!!!!!

From A Citizens Guide to Open Government Provided by the Attorney Generals Office.
A. What Records Are Available To The Public?
Georgia’s Open Records Law provides the public with broad access to governmental records and
documents.1 The public has a right to see, inspect and copy all “public records.” “Public records” are
broadly defined to include the following:
? Documents;
? Papers;
? Letters;
? Maps;
? Books;
? Tapes;
? Photographs;
? Computer-based or generated information; and
? Similar material prepared and maintained or received in the course of the operation of a
public office or agency.2
Public records also include records received or maintained by a private person, firm, corporation or other
private entity in the performance of a service or function for or on behalf of a public office or agency,
unless the records are otherwise protected by specific statute or court order from disclosure.3
The Law specifically designates “computer records” as public records subject to the Law.

The Open Records Law mandates that if a county maintains a computerized index of county real estate deed records, the index must be printed and made available for public inspection no less than every 30 days.4
And, courts have held that government may not keep details of litigation settlements secret.

I Am Looking into This

Using e-mail for board business? Check open-meeting laws
By Andrew Trotter
Andrew Trotter is an associate editor of Electronic School.

If you send an e-mail message to a member of the Seminole County (Fla.) school board, you're also sending one to Mike Barry, a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. "Any e-mail that goes to the board goes to me," Barry says.
In December, at the education reporter's request, the school board arranged to forward all of its e-mail automatically to Barry and to his editor. Far from an invasion of privacy, the arrangement is really openness in government, says Seminole County's board president, Sandy Robinson. Florida's "Sunshine Law" gives the press the right to riffle through school board mail, and the Legislature has explicitly included electronic documents under that law.
Like their counterparts elsewhere who are taking advantage of e-mail and voice mail, Seminole County board members are working out the rules for the electronic age. They're weighing the implications of "sunshine" and open-meeting laws, as well as confidentiality and protocol.
Using district-owned laptop computers, the county's five board members can check their e-mail from home. "I've found personally it has cut down a tremendous number of phone calls," Robinson says. "It allows me to work on school board things on the weekend." She says most of the flow of information via e-mail and a new voice-mail system is between the board and the administrative staff, rather than among board members. For example, the administration will send e-mail to the board with the latest developments on a land purchase.
But Robinson says the board members are "painfully aware" that the sunshine law bars them from discussing among themselves in private "any issue that may come up for a vote." In electronic communication, they err on the side of caution: "If there's any concern, we just usually stop the conversation."

TRSP Review: This is interesting. Could you imagine The Real School Police getting every E-mail to the board. What would I have to complain about then? Nothing!!!!!