Brewer to speak on open meetings

Morgan County Government and The Morgan Messenger have worked together to bring Lewis Brewer of the West Virginia Ethics Commission, to Morgan County for a talk on open governmental meetings.

The purpose of Brewer's lecture is to educate all volunteers and government officials who work with public agencies that are governed by the Open Meetings Law.

The Open Meetings, or "Sunshine" Act, was enacted to ensure that the proceedings of all public agencies are conducted in an open and public manner, so the people may be informed about the actions of their governments and retain control over them.

The act applies to all state, county and town administrative or legislative units of government, including their departments, agencies, committees, boards and commissions, but not courts or judiciary.

Meetings of the governing bodies of all public agencies must be open to the public, unless a specific statutory exception applies.

After Brewer's explanations of the law, there will be a question and answer period. The session is not meant as an opportunity to obtain advisory opinions, however. Anyone seeking an advisory opinion should contact the Ethics Commission directly.

Those serving in county and town positions have been invited to attend for a better understanding of the "Sunshine" Act.

For additional details, call the Morgan County Prosecutor's Office at 258-8621 or 258-8953.