Sunshine Law Resource
Jean Maneke is a lawyer here in Kansas City who is THE go-to person on all matters involving Missouri's Sunshine Law. She is also the blogger behind "Sunshine in Missouri", a blog devoted to discussion of open government.
Some of us spout off about things we think based on what we hear. Sunshine in Missouri is dedicated to helping people find the real facts and the actual documents that show us what our government is doing.
posted by Dan at 9/27/2007 07:32:00 AM
6 Comments:
Great link. Thanks.
Isn't it funny before they were in government they were just like us.
What changes people once they get into office?
"helping people find the real facts and actual documents that show what our government is doing."
Really?
Jean Maneke filed a baseless suit on behalf of her client, former Jackson County Legislator Robert Stringfield, against all the other Legislatures, former County Executive Shields, AND a county clerk for violating the Sunshine Statutes.
Thousands of Jackson County tax dollars were paid to defend the claim. Recently, Ms. Manake dismissed the case. Her client’s statement said they were unable to fight the Defendants’ deep pockets. However, public records (i.e. real facts/actual documents) demonstrate the alleged Sunshine violation NEVER OCCURRED.
Which leaves this taxpayer wondering:
Did she receive kick-backs from the Defendants' attorney (who was paid with our tax dollars) for dragging out a case they both knew was baseless? Or did she violate the Rules of Professional Conduct by failing to make a reasonable inquiry into the "real facts" of her client’s claim?
The answers to your questions are no and no.
Maybe they should have hired a less expensive lawyer if the case was baseless.
Sorry Dan, Legal Aid wasn't interested in representing them.
That's not the purpose of Legal Aid - Legal Aid does fantastic work with limited resources and lots of restrictions tying its hands.
There are lots of lawyers out there, and not all of them charge a ton of money. If, in fact, the case was so obviously baseless, they should have been able to get it handled for a couple thousand dollars.
I've never looked at the lawsuit, and I have no opinion it. I'm just saying that your suggestion that Jean conspired with the defense attorney is ridiculous, and that there's no way she failed to make reasonable inquiry. She's a good lawyer.
Post a Comment
<< Home