City Sues Newspaper Over Public Meetings Demand

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The North Carolina Supreme Court is considering whether a local government can sue citizens who demand records or meeting access. The city of Burlington claims it needs the power to sue to determine its obligations under state law. It’s specific dispute is with the Alamance News, which had been threatening to sue the city over closed meetings. The city made a preemptive legal strike. The publisher, Tom Boney, says it’s already cost $42,000 in legal fees. (4-26-05)