Changing Sunshine Law draws criticism

Broward County commissioners said Tuesday they want changes to the state's Sunshine Law so they can more easily meet in the aftermath of hurricanes and other emergencies, but several local legislators said the idea was lousy and they wouldn't support it.

Commissioners said they wanted to meet in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma but were stymied by Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law, considered by many the toughest in the nation in restricting governments' ability to conduct business away from public view.

"It was a real problem," said Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, who was serving in the rotating position of county mayor in 2005 during Wilma.

Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, who was mayor during 2004 hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, said the unusual circumstances sometimes make it impractical to, say, give the usual advance notice of a meeting. "It's not that we're asking to hold meetings in the dark."

Among the commissioners suggested modifications: relaxing the requirement for advance public notice, allowing telephone meetings, and allowing meetings in venues -- such as the county's Emergency Operations Center -- that don't have the capacity for the public to attend.

State Rep. Jack Seiler, D-Wilton Manors, said he's troubled by the erosion in Florida's landmark laws requiring public business be conducted in the Sunshine and he's "very frustrated" with local government officials who keep asking for exemptions.

But state Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, sided with the county officials. As his city's vice mayor during Wilma, Waldman played a pivotal role because the mayor was stuck in New York because of the storm. "It was extremely necessary for us as a city for us to meet," he said.