During a recent council meeting, a citizen raised serious concerns regarding violations of the Public Records Act and the denial of due process rights. The individual claimed that the council's actions led to the destruction of personal property without following proper legal procedures, highlighting a lack of opportunity to defend against the allegations made.
The speaker emphasized the importance of accessing public official bond documents, which are legally required to protect citizens from potential abuses of power by public officials. For over 60 days, the individual reported being denied access to these documents, which they argued reflects a troubling absence of transparency within the city government.
Citing Alabama's Public Records Act, the speaker pointed out that public records should be accessible and available for inspection within a specified timeframe. They criticized the city's handling of their requests, stating that the delays and lack of responses violate the law and obstruct justice.
Additionally, the speaker condemned the city's hearing process, describing it as inadequate and lacking in fairness. They argued that the council's dual role as both plaintiff and judge, combined with limited speaking time for citizens and no opportunity for witness testimony, undermines the principles of due process.
The citizen urged the council to take immediate action to rectify these issues, specifically requesting that the clerk provide access to the public official bonds without further delay. They recommended that the council suspend any further public actions until compliance with the law is demonstrated, calling for a restoration of transparency and accountability in local governance.