AG responds to complaints by Florence resident
The Kansas Attorney General's office has responded to Florence resident Rick Burcky's allegations made against the City of Florence and elected officials.
The letter from the attorney general's office addressed three of the 30 complaints Burcky documented in the original complaint.
The AG addresses complaints of failure to appoint a Freedom of Information Officer and failure to respond to requests for records within three business days; making binding decisions either in executive sessions or outside open meetings; and failure to provide notification of meetings and copies of agendas to those requesting it.
The letter outlines the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) and Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) and states "unless (the county attorney) has an ethical conflict or requests our assistance, it is our usual practice to refer alleged violations of either Act to the county attorney."
Marion County Attorney Susan Robson said her office had received a copy of the attorney general's response and was in the process of reviewing it.
Florence mayor John Lehman acknowledged he had reviewed the copy of the letter the city received from Topeka.
He said he had not been "aware that the need existed for a Freedom of Information officer.
"I was glad to be made aware of it," he said. "The letter said that many small entities are not in compliance so I don't feel too guilty about not knowing. But we will rectify the situation and get someone appointed."
In regard to the lack of notification of city meetings Lehman agreed that "we seem to have slipped up sometimes." He indicated the problem would be addressed.
Lehman also noted that former councilman Tim Parmley was quoted in another publication as saying, "
"I stand with Tim on that," Lehman said. "We need to work harder on cooperation rather than fuss."
Burcky said Tuesday he had spoken to the attorney general's office about the remaining allegations. "The other charges have been assigned to other attorneys in the AG's office who specialize in those areas."
He expects to hear from these attorneys after the charges have been reviewed.
"I'm satisfied at this point that these matters are being investigated," Burcky said.
