AP/'Tallahasee Democrat' Challenge Closed Meeting

By: (AP) The Tallahassee Democrat and The Associated Press have sent letters to Florida's attorney general and the Leon County state attorney to object to a closed meeting this week in the secretary of state's office.

A county commissioner and reporters were barred from the meeting Monday between Secretary of State Sue Cobb and Leon County elections officials over a looming deadline on getting voting equipment for the disabled.

"It goes without saying that the subject matter was of significant public importance and interest," Democrat Executive Editor Robert C. Gabordi wrote. "Florida law demands that this type of business be conducted in the sunshine."

Gabordi also provided references to previous attorney general opinions to support his objections to the closed meeting.

AP Florida Chief of Bureau Jim Baltzelle sent a letter Thursday to Attorney General Charlie Crist outlining similar concerns.

"Cobb's actions occurred in a week when the nation's press is trumpeting the right of open government, a Sunshine Week campaign first started in Florida," Baltzelle wrote.

Crist said he read the newspaper's complaint, but had not yet seen AP's letter.

"Obviously we're taking a look at it," said Crist, who had seen Gabordi's letter. "It would be wise to bring the parties together to make sure there is no misunderstanding between the parties."

Crist, coincidentally, was honored with an award given by the state's First Amendment Foundation to a person who makes significant contributions furthering open government.

The two news organizations also protested Cobb's attempt to have police officers remove their reporters.

"As if the closure of the meeting was not enough, to then put our reporter in the position of being threatened with arrest is intolerable," Gabordi wrote.

Leon County Commissioner Bob Rackleff was asked to stay outside the meeting room since another commissioner, Bill Proctor, was already in the room. The presence of both would have automatically triggered the state requirement that it be an open meeting. Leon County Elections Supervisor Ion Sancho was also there.

Cobb said cameras would be a hindrance to a candid discussion and twice had reporters escorted into an adjacent hallway.

Gov. Jeb Bush, State Attorney Willie Meggs and First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Petersen were copied on the letters besides the respective legal counsel of the two news companies.