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Atlanta
Atlanta
Atlanta Violated Open Meetings Law
Charles Edwards (2012-02-06)
Atlanta Progressive News editor Matthew Cardinale talks about the Georgia Supreme Court ruling in his favor. Charles Edwards, WABE News
ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - If a government in Georgia votes without taking a roll call, it still has to tell the public how its members voted. The Georgia Supreme Court delivered that message today when it ruled the city of Atlanta violated the state's Open Meetings law.

With its 4-to-3 ruling, the state's highest court sided with Matthew Cardinale. Since February 2010, the Atlanta Progressive News editor has been fighting to learn the names of 7 Atlanta City Council members who voted to cut back the length of public comment at meetings.

On the city hall steps, Cardinale joyfully read the Georgia Supreme Court ruling in his favor.

"Minutes of agency meetings across the entire state of Georgia must list the names of those voting against a proposal or abstaining even in the case of a non-roll call vote," said Cardinale.

That last part is an important distinction. The city council voted on the public comment issue by a show of hands.

In a statement, the Atlanta City Council said it found the ruling disappointing but will comply. Meanwhile, a separate court case stemming from the 2010 meeting goes back to a Fulton County court. © Copyright 2012, WABE