Amanda Martin Comments on New Bern Alderman and Open Meetings

The Sun Journal recently quoted Media lawyer and SMVT partner Amanda Martin on North Carolina’s open meetings law following a meeting of the New Bern Board of Aldermen.

Amanda Martin, general counsel for the N.C. Press Association, said nothing would prohibit calling a closed session during a regular meeting. But that decision would have to be voted on and passed. Martin also said she thought it was probably all right for the city attorney to have a private meeting with an aldermen during the meeting, but she did have a problem with whispering.

“I do not think whispering in a meeting that is otherwise open to the public is OK,” Martin said. “The meeting is supposed to be conducted in open so the public has the ability to hear what is going on.”

To read the full story from the Sun Journal, click here.