Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Okolona council adjourns meeting before it starts

The first amendment of the United States Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press: or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

However, the Okolona City Council has failed to remember this particular amendment, and has now found themselves in the middle of a lawsuit.

It all began when James Paul of Okolona began to question the city's bookkeeping. Paul apparently noticed he had paid his water bill, but was getting notices saying his bill had not been paid. Paul then checked his bank statement and noticed four months of water bill payments had still not cleared his checking account.

Being concerned Paul asked to see the record books. Okolona Mayor Joy McElhannon and Recorder/Treasurer Kim McKay told Paul he was not allowed to see the records.

Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, however, any records kept by the city are considered as public knowledge. Paul then hired a lawyer because he felt his rights as a citizen were being violated.

At the next town meeting Paul carried a videotape recorder to help out a disabled neighbor who was unable to attend. Mayor McElhannon became disgruntle and asked Paul to turn the camera off. Paul refused and harsh words were passed.

The council then passed an ordinance stating no videotape recorders or voice recorders would be allowed at any city council meeting.

Paul knew this was a violation of civil rights and the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). He then contacted John Tull of Little Rock who handles all Arkansas Associated Press lawsuits and helps protect their rights. Tull informed the council what they had done was illegal.

This however did not phase the council.

Eventually Paul was allowed to view some of the city's records, but they were incomplete and Paul was told it would cost him $8 an hour to view them. That is also illegal.

By law the council is to inform the media of any special held meetings and meetings that the times have been changed. So far it has failed to do so.

On Wednesday, November 7, the council was scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. The council took it upon themselves to change the meeting time to 6 p.m.

Through the grapevine several citizens and media found out about the time change and arrived at 6 p.m.

Paul was there with his video camera to record the meeting for his disabled friend. Mayor McElhannon asked Paul why he had his camera there and Paul told her.

She quickly asked, "Does your disabled friend live within Okolona city limits?" Paul answered, "Yes he does." McElhannon told Paul, "Well then he could make it to the meeting, he does not need you to record it for him." She then told him to turn off the recorder. Paul refused and McElhannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting because Paul would not comply with the city's ordinance. (Although the meeting had not yet been called to order.)

More is expected to come of the situation as legal action is taken.