A challenge to constitutional rights is in play in the Jason Maki vs. City of Parkville lawsuit over public records.
A new filing in the case by the city shows the City of Parkville attempting to trample on the constitutional rights of the plaintiff, Jason Maki. Earlier this month, Maki filed a motion to compel with the court, claiming evidence that some city officials failed to obey a subpoena of documents and that they are withholding and concealing documents. Instead of litigating that motion, the city’s response has been to ask the court to order Maki to cease communications with the news media and social media outlets. In other words, the city wants the court to take away Maki’s right to free speech by issuing a gag order upon him.
A gag order is something that typically only happens in criminal matters with jury trials, which is clearly not the case here. This lawsuit is about a private citizen trying to enforce the Sunshine Law and protect Missouri citizens’ right to access public records.
A hearing is set for Friday in the case in front of Judge James Van Amburg.
For more commentary on the topic: https://plattecountylandmark.com/2020/12/10/cities-shouldnt-be-allowed-usage-of-a-secret-passageway/
–-Ivan Foley
Landmark publisher
City of Parkville accused of eight violations of sunshine law
City of Parkville accused of eight violations of sunshine law