Do clusters of email communications constitute meetings?: Virginia open records laws hazy on e-mails

Virginia open records laws hazy on e-mails

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By Sarah Watson

 
 

Published: August 30, 2008

 

Former Appomattox mayor John Wilson and three of six council members exchanged e-mails during the last year discussing upcoming votes related to water issues.

Documents released through a Freedom of Information request from two town residents show that in one instance, Wilson e-mailed three council members advising them to rescind a vote on an issue that passed when now-former council member Steve Lawson was absent.

Acting director of the Virginia Open Government Council Megan Rhyne said that according to a state Supreme Court ruling, e-mail communications between council members is not a violation of open records laws.

But this type of communication between elected officials is "not living up to the spirit of FOI" because these discussions are conducted through e-mail and not in the open, she said.

 

Full Article: <http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/virginia_open_records_laws_hazy_on_e_mails/7901/>