http://www.onlinesentinel.com/opinion/lepage-freedom-of-access-act-used-as-form-of-internal-terrorism_2011-03-26.htmlRather than use this opportunity to invoke the importance of government transparency, a theme of his gubernatorial campaign and an appropriate subject for Sunshine Week, LePage blasted Maine's access law. He complained that his office has received too many requests, responding has become too time-consuming and that new limits on the public's right to know are needed.
Then, according to two people in attendance (one of whom took verbatim notes), LePage took things further, saying "FOAA is being used as a form of internal terrorism."
You read that correctly. He compared the pursuit of public documents to violent acts committed to inspire fear for ideological ends. Even for a governor known for off-color statements, that's beyond the pale.
The meeting, though open to the public, was not attended by the media. This could have been because notice about the meeting went out only hours before it was held.
the writer's sources asked him not to name them as they have to work with LePage.
Governor's advisory group
exempted from access law
The LePage administration says the council, which will advise the governor on business issues, needs to operate in private.March 9
http://www.pressherald.com/news/advisory-group-exempted-from-access-law-_2011-03-09.htmlGov. Paul LePage has created a business advisory council to advise him on improving Maine's economic climate but has exempted it entirely from the state's freedom of information law.
snip
LePage, a Republican, has said that his will be the most transparent administration in Maine history.
He issued the executive order last week to establish the group. It will include the commissioners of the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Labor, as well as the presidents of the University of Maine and community college systems. The order calls for up to 21 other members selected by the governor to represent "a cross-section of Maine industries and Maine businesses, both small and large."
The group is similar to councils created by previous governors. But unlike other administrations, LePage's order also cites a need for "candid conversations" to justify exempting the council from compliance with Maine's Freedom of Access law. The law generally says the public has a right to attend meetings of public bodies and to obtain public records.
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