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.
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