Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

I kindly ask that you correct your story published on Friday 23, 2005.

You stated that "Grove Resident Earl Shero and at that time an employee of Grand Savings Bank, was denied access to the packet so he filed suit against the city".

Your story is incorrect, the City of Grove sued me for a protective order and a declaratory judgment to prevent me from asking for a copy of the Council Packet that I had been receiving from the City for the previous three months.

After the District Court determined that the City did not have standing to bring suit against me I counter sued for a declaratory judgment and the documents were then declared to be public. The City was required to pay my attorney fees in excess of $27,000.00 for their violation of the Oklahoma Open Record Act. Also Galletly paid a fine and entered into a deferred prosecution agreement stating that he would not violate any City or State laws.

I would also appreciate it if you remind your readers that the City of Grove pursued this matter after they had received a letter from the District attorney telling them that they were in violation of the law.

The City of Grove is again pursuing this current lawsuit after being told by the District Attorney that they are again in violation of the Open Meeting Act.

Earl Shero