We’ve had a couple of unseasonably warm days here recently but is the sun really shining at Platte County? Jason Maki, a county resident who way back in July requested public documents from Platte County, doesn’t think so. And based on his history–he successfully sued the City of Parkville over Sunshine Law violations a few years ago–it can be assumed that Maki’s patience will run out at some point.
Maki put in multiple Sunshine Law requests back in the summer after concerns over the Platte County Commission’s $84,000 “public education campaign” promoting its jail tax proposal. Maki, as do others, feels that the “public education campaign” was actually an inappropriate pro-jail tax campaign being run by the county commission using taxpayer money. He requested emails, phone logs, text messages, etc. in his quest for public information. He has received some documents, but Maki says what he has received is nothing from the areas where he believes he’ll find some of the juicy meat and potatoes he is looking for. On all his requests that are likely to have some bite, nothing is happening. Delay tactics are real. And reminiscent of what Maki endured during his experiences with the City of Parkville, which resulted in a lawsuit in which Maki received what is believed to be the largest settlement ever in a Sunshine Law case, $195,000.
It raises the legitimate question: if county commissioners have nothing to hide, why is it taking so long to get the records the man requested? Reasonable people can conclude data that’s delayed or hidden is being delayed or hidden for a reason. The most likely reason is that the county has data it doesn’t want to ever come to public light.
“I must express concern about the ongoing delays and the lack of clarity regarding the completion status of my requests. It has been several months since my initial requests–submitted on July 21, July 23 and Aug. 29, and Oct. 15. Despite the time elapsed, it appears that some of the requested records have not been addressed at all,” Maki wrote this week to the county clerk, who is the official custodian of county records. Maki requests that the clerk clearly identify which specific line items from each of his requests are considered “completed,” using the definition of “completed” as having provided all responsive records for that individual line item. He also wants a detailed timeline or expected completion date for the remaining records. He also wants the clerk to confirm whether the county has adhered to the rolling production approach as outlined in the law and as specifically requested in his submissions. Finally, he wants the clerk to address the requirement under the provision of the law in regard to providing a log for any records withheld or claimed as privileged or otherwise closed.
“To date, I have not received any such log. Please confirm whether this will be provided and include an explanation for its absence,” Maki wrote to the clerk.
“Given the significance of transparency and the statutory obligations under the Missouri Sunshine Law, these delays are troubling. I respectfully remind the county of its duty to produce records promptly and to provide a detailed log for any withheld records under RSMo 610.027(2),” Maki wrote to the county clerk this week.
As you likely know, there is a Chiefs-themed Hallmark Christmas movie that has played (and I assume, but haven’t confirmed, there are other showings scheduled?) on the Hallmark channel. I’ve read some reviews by everyday folks on social media who seemed to enjoy it, with some pointing out that as Hallmark Christmas movies go, it was less cheesy and less dorky than others you may or may not have watched.
I have not seen it, but have seen a couple clips posted by KC-based folks who had very small roles. For instance, KC Mayor Quinton Lucas posted a clip of his appearance, where he speaks a line or two to the movie’s main couple as they’re walking down the street. Another clip I saw was posted by a KC sports radio personality who has a very quick on-screen role as an “extra.” And by very quick I mean you can maybe see the back of his head as he is entering a store in one of the scenes.
Anyway, Google it and see if there are any later showings scheduled. I’m not curious enough to do that googling. If you let me know I’ll try to check it out if you want a Foley review.
Gotta say the movie that was filmed in Weston a few years ago kind of ruined me on these Hallmark/Lifetime style Christmas movies. That thing was very slow moving and the opposite of good. I still lament the fact I’ll never get those two hours of my life back.
Don’t get me wrong, it was exciting to have a movie filmed in Weston, great publicity for the town. But man. . . .major snoozefest.
I have to be careful talking about that Christmas movie filmed in Weston a few years ago or I hurt some feelings. Anytime I mention the name of it and say something less than positive about that sleep-inducing, painfully drawn-out film I receive an email or other form of communication from the relative of one of the main actors in the movie. She must have Google alerts set to where she gets a notice at any mention of the movie on the internet. And it’s proof your Landmark has readers in all parts of our great nation.
I am not kidding. She even started following me on Instagram, where I hardly ever post, and liked and commented on a few of my offerings. Maybe she thought that would change my opinion on the movie. It hasn’t.
Not that her relative was a bad actor. Actors can only do so much with a bad script and cheesy plot. I never criticized the performance of her relative. But she is very protective of that movie and seems to get personally offended over any less-than-glowing remarks about it.
Depending upon how wide-ranging she has her Google alerts set, I’ll probably get an email or some other form of social media interaction after this column, even though I haven’t mentioned the movie by name nor identified her relative who was one of the main characters in the film. I’ve gone out of my way not to cause any further hard feelings. ’Tis the Christmas season, after all.
Alert: both sides are trying to round up supporters.
The Platte County Commission and some of their more staunch supporters are quietly encouraging their friendlies to show up to say why the recently approved children’s tax approved by voters should not be allowed by the county commission to take effect. On the other side, those who think it’s inappropriate for the commissioners to go against the overwhelming will of the voters are encouraging their side to show up at the county commission meeting set for Dec. 16.
If you don’t attend in person you can watch the proceedings on YouTube by searching for the “Platte County government” channel. Enjoy.
(Find Foley carefully crafting ways to talk about that Weston Christmas movie without actually talking about that Weston Christmas movie. Email ivan@plattecountylandmark.com)
