Irony Redux: Public Records Absurdity Marches On

With so much recent attention focused on recalls and recallers and reconsidering reconsiderations, one may think that PAR’s favorite marionettes Michael Barfield a/k/a Inmate #15549-075 and lawyer Valerie Fernandez are feeling a bit limp in the strings of late. After all, a search of the two local papers reveals no significant reports of sunshine law or public records stories in nearly a month. But alas, her strings apparently yanked taut by PAR, along comes THIS from Ms. Fernandez.

Much of the list of sought-after emails (on page 5) is no surprise and some are redundant requests from previous public records demands. But a few deserve mention for varying reasons.

One wonders what deep dark conspiracy PAR hopes to dig up by seeking Sgt. Turner‘s email correspondence. Is it their theory that the ludicrously labeled “Shadow Government” contained a law enforcement branch? I mean, really.

Several private citizens and entities, already the subjects of meritless public records requests, are again included and a few new ones make an appearance, yours truly and this blog included. Good luck with that one. The last time our blog entries made the cut our readership shot through the roof. Thanks, I guess.

The intrepid reporters from The Islander and The Sun made the guest list as well. I suppose PAR, er… Fernandez, has her reasons but why would they subpoena records from their own public relations department? Just asking.

And is it a surprise to anyone familiar with PAR’s tactics that exactly one week after Commissioner Woodland cast his vote to deny their 308 Pine Ave. site plan, he was added, for the first time, to PAR’s email target list. No more need be said on that one.

Finally, attorney Jeremy Anderson is included on the list. Oh, the irony in that one. Nearly two months ago, Mr. Anderson filed public records requests that sought, among others, Michael Coleman’s emails in his capacity as a de facto member the City’s Parking Safety Committee just when the Pine Avenue safety debate was nearing its frenzied tipping point. Does it surprise you that Mr. Coleman has apparently failed to produce a single email in response Mr. Anderson’s lawful demand? Nope, me either, and neither does the mute reporting from the local press on the issue.

Don’t expect production of any documents any time soon. Since the subpoena seeks private records of private citizens and entities far outside the scope of sunshine and public records laws, Mr. Harrison has already filed objections you can view HERE. The objections will be ruled on by the court sometime down the road. Until then, we wait for the marionettes’ strings to inevitably be yanked again.

All the best,

Bill Yanger