Hamilton County commissioners routinely make calls on land-line phones next to their seats during public meetings, sometimes to each other.
But commissioners say the nature of the calls does not violate the state’s Sunshine Law, which insists that all official business be conducted in full view – and hearing – of the public.
“I’ve gotten a couple of phone calls from some commissioners, maybe once a year,” said Commissioner John Allen Brooks, who recently lost re-election. “Mine have been in compliance with the Sunshine Law.”
Calls Commissioner Larry Henry received during meetings “didn’t have anything to do with whatever we were voting on,” he said.