EDITOR:
TO ALL PLATTE COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS
I am writing to formally place on record concerns regarding recent public statements made by Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker and the implications those statements raise for the lawful operation of county government.
In a publicly reported statement, Commissioner Fricker indicated that he directed County IT to retrieve emails from the prosecutor’s office systems. As described, this raises significant questions regarding whether established legal and procedural safeguards governing access to records were followed.
Specifically, this situation presents unresolved questions including, but not limited to:
-Under what authority County IT was directed to access records belonging to another independently elected office
- Whether the lawful records custodian for those records was involved in or authorized the retrieval
- Whether the retrieval complied with Missouri Sunshine Law requirements and established custodial procedures
- What safeguards were in place to prevent access to non-public, privileged, or protected information
The distinction between records that may be subject to public disclosure and the lawful process required to obtain those records is fundamental. The existence of public records does not authorize unilateral access across offices or the bypassing of established custodial controls.
This matter is not theoretical. If records were accessed outside of proper legal channels, it raises concerns about the integrity of county systems, the protection of sensitive information, and potential exposure to legal liability.
Equally concerning is the public minimization of procedural compliance. Adherence to lawful process is not discretionary—it is a core obligation of public office.
This correspondence is intended to ensure that all elected officials are aware of these concerns and that the issue is formally documented. It is reasonable to expect that appropriate steps be taken to: - Clarify the authority and process under which these records were accessed
- Confirm whether any policies, laws, or procedures were bypassed
- Ensure that any potential vulnerabilities in records access or system controls are identified and addressed
Given the seriousness of these issues and the potential risk to the county, I urge careful consideration of whether it is appropriate for Commissioner Fricker to continue exercising executive authority while these matters remain unresolved.
Temporary separation from executive decision-making may be the most prudent course to protect the stability and integrity of County operations.
This is not a political matter. It is a governance and accountability matter. --Andrew Champlain Platte County
