Maine - Waterville Coronavirus Panel Illegally Met in Secret
A Waterville City Council coronavirus subcommittee formed in response to the outbreak has been accused of illegally meeting in secret, denying public access to its deliberations, and making unlawful decisions.
Extended Coverage:
Virus Concerns Lead to 'Public' Meetings Without the Public, New York Times, Associated Press
An Excerpt
Sigmund Schutz, the lawyer for MaineToday Media . . . sent an email Thursday to Brenda Kielty, Maine Public Access ombudsman, saying that in this public health crisis, urgent guidance is needed for state and local government on compliance with the Freedom of Access Act. Schutz said he is already fielding inquiries about emergency committees meeting perhaps without public notice or access.
“Anything that stifles the flow of information, especially to the news media, about what government is up to in this crisis is a big problem,” Schutz said.