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Colby gets grant to fight county By ED BALDRIDGE SEBRING -- Are hand-written notes taken during government meetings to help make decisions public records? The National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC), the Florida First Amendment Foundation, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for Freedom of Information think so, and they were willing to back those ideas with grant money here in Highlands County. Although the initial trial is over, the foundations were willing to grant Preston Colby $3,000 to help pay for filing and other costs in his lawsuit against the Board of County Commissioners concerning access to public records. Colby wants to see the hand-written notes from County Administrator Michael Wright and Commissioner Barbara Stewart that they made concerning county matters. The Board does not want to show them to Colby. Colby filed suit against the Board in District Court in January of 2009 and the case went to trial two weeks ago, but no judgment has been handed down yet on if the county violated Florida Sunshine records. But Colby's case is gaining supporters on both the state and national levels due to the impact it could have on open records. "If the county prevails, this could have a serious impact on access to public records, particularly if the intent of the record's author can determine whether such records are subject to disclosure," said Barbara Petersen, president of the Florida first Amendment Foundation in a press release this week. "Colby has been extremely tenacious and is one of those true activists on whom we all depend," Petersen added. "We are delighted to fund cases in which citizens, working with their state FOI coalition, are fighting for greater access to information," said Charles N. Davis, executive director of the NFOIC. The Knight FOI Fund can only go for fees associated with filing, and not for attorney charges, but that is not a problem in Colby's care because is fighting the county as his own attorney. According to County Attorney Ross Macbeth, the trial happened over three days Feb. 9-11, but nothing has been announced yet. "There is no judgment as of yet. I am waiting on a decision. The matter is in litigation, so I really cannot discuss any of the particulars of the case until after the appeals process is decided," Macbeth said. Colby felt the more than $400 million made available by the Knight Foundation is a boon for those who wish access to their local government. "I am very please to be the first pro se litigator getting the grant. There needs to be a lot more of it. It does not strengthen the law, but it does help me bring this case and others before a court," Colby said on Wednesday.  Colby, PIA (by: Lord Howard Hurts - 2/28/2010) I live for 17 years in Sebring.Left in 2000. Looks like it is still the same old Banana Republic I left. Might just be time to "retire" Macbeth so as to let the U.S. Constitution and Florida law be administered with a more "modern" understanding. One would think that Sebring is a city populated by only a few old timers instead of thousands of new timers. How about the voters electing nobody that has lived in Sebring more than 15 years? Sebring has a lot to offer, but it is hidden by the same old same olds. just a thought (by: knucklhead - 2/27/2010) The Funny or sad part is no matter what you think of Mr Colby,For the most part he is right. I know some hate to admit it,but im starting to feel that I wish he would run for Ms Stewarts seat.I just cant understand how she is able to win a election, her thinking process should scare the heck out of a average person. Can you just imagine what would happen if Mr Colby had the access that the board members have to information?Who knows , he just might be ablt to get a few things done right, if not he would sure get rid of all the behind the scene conversations that Stewart and Carlson are having.It is quite obvious to anyone who pays attention that as soon as one brings up a new topic, the other one chimes in and the other three have the look of "deers in the headlights look" (by: noneya - 2/27/2010) Preston Colby is a hemrroid ....and that's saying it nicely! Not me.... (by: Preston H. Colby - 2/26/2010) Rusty: No movie, book or anything, I'm just sick of all the decision making done by “toady staff", behind closed doors, without public input, then perfunctory ratification by three (3) empty suits. FL Sunshine Law (by: mbaker - 2/26/2010) It is amazing how a County official and an elected commissioner would continually disregard a clearly written law such as the Fl. Sunshine law. I believe Colby has a very clear case and deserved the grant he was given. When are the citizens of this county finally going to speak up and hold these officials accountable for their unprofessional actions. More money is wasted by this county defending these people in court, along with the some of the poor decisions they make that end up costing us even more when deficiencies are later discovered that they didn't even take into consideration originally. If the citizens refuse to take action, I wish the best for Mr. Colby. Preston Brockovich (by: Rusty - 2/26/2010) After this, a movie deal to chronicle his "one man crusade for the truth" against small town corruption. It's a win-win situation with grants funding your fight, and the makings for at least a Lifetime Network movie of the week piling up like guano in a bat cave. There are larger cities that need you more Preston. May I suggest Cleveland,a.k.a. the "Mistake by the Lake", this one has real problems. Even Eliot Ness failed at fixing it. There's a real challenge for you. Your tenacious search for the truth is admirable, just more suited for places with bigger problems. Move on and make a big mark on the world, not just a ripple in the punch bowl.  Small Banner AdsBusiness DirectoryFeatured PhysicianFeatured AutoFeatured AttorneyMarketplace AdsTile Ads
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