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Monday, September 01, 2008

E-mail conversations lead to FOI debate in Virginia

Yet another state is in debate over whether electronic communication constitutes a meeting and therefore a violation of open record laws.

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.

More here.
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