Voter Education
By: Clyde “Jocco” Baccus, President
The Learning Tree, Inc.
There is a systemic concern regarding the grey cloud associated with a lot of decisions made by elected officials on the voter’s behalf.
Newton County Commissioner Nancy Shultz stated; “The people need to decide if they’re willing to put up with back room politics and deal making.” Her comments signal a call to arms for all citizens who want our public business conducted in the light of day. It’s time to circle the wagons and make a stand. We need a “Citizens Governmental Oversight Review Panel,” which can analyze the votes our decision makers cast. This review panel should be comprised of residents who will look at past and present documented evidence and conclude if there is any cause to question if special interest or personal gain may have played a part for their vote. If a just cause conclusion is reached, we can submit a written request to the grand jury for consideration.
An organized effort towards this end can use, Georgia’s Sunshine Laws (GSL) as the governing legal tool to access information needed to reach a documented conclusion.
Under GSL, 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. Additionally, courts have held that government may not keep
details of litigation settlements secret. GSL mandates that public records be available to “any citizen of this state” and must be available to non-residents as well.
If a citizens review panel sounds like something you would like to do or if you prefer to form a committee of (1) one there is a sample open records request letter on page 31 in Georgia’s Sunshine Laws Handbook; (http://www.gfaf.org/resources/sunshine_laws.pdf)
Words of warning are resonating from some of our elected officials. Don’t allow street gossip to detour the truth and send accountability to time out.
Contact “The Learning Tree, Inc.,” if you want or need assistance getting your inquiry evaluated. insightwithjocco@gmail.com
Thanks for your support!
Spotlight sights of the week:
Next week’s Voter Education topic:
The Washington, D.C., K-Street Shuffle
Your posted comments are welcomed!
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