April 14, 2006

After proclaiming a commitment to "transparency in government," Chattanooga, TN Mayor Ron Littlefield "banned" city officials from communicating with Times Free Press reporter Michael Webber. Whether the Mayor realizes it or not, the city is legally obligated to comply with Tennessee's Sunshine Law making the workings of government "open to the public at all times," including "annoying, distracting" Mr. Webber.

“I’ve instructed City Personnel they are to have no further contact with Times Free Press Reporter Michael Weber. Mr. Weber has approached key staff in an abrasive and accusatory manner. He is obviously on some personal mission and is chasing ghosts and goblins that don’t exist except in his own mind. His usual mode of operation is to call and leave some gloriously inaccurate message then claim he is on deadline and filing for publication unless he hears otherwise. Perhaps this is a tactic that worked for Mr. Weber in Brooklyn, but it won’t work here, it won’t work for me. My guess is that it really didn’t work for Mr. Weber in Brooklyn and that is why he is here in Chattanooga.

“This is annoying, distracting, and counter to our efforts to deal honestly and openly with all media. If Mr. Weber wishes to publish irresponsible and inaccurate information he will do so without my participation. When Mr. Weber learns to behave in a more professional fashion as a journalist in the future I’ll reconsider this ban.
[Mayor Ron Littlefield Bans Times Free Press Reporter from Interaction with City Officials or Employees - 04-13-06 - City of Chatanooga]