Calling Mitch Johnson

From the N&R 2005: In some of Holder's recent e-mails to city employees, he belittles workers and, in one instance, accuses the city attorney of "hiding public info for political reasons."

From Margaret Banks blog three years later: “Representatives of public bodies, including those at Greensboro City Hall, sometimes look for an “out” when it comes to fulfilling public records requests. …I find lack of cooperation by the people’s representatives as chilling as lying and manipulation.”

Hogg adds: I spoke briefly with the city manager today and suggested it will take “bold measures” if he is to have any expectation of turning back the tide of negative public sentiment that this week’s events have wrought. Although I really couldn’t explain any concrete suggestions as to what form such measures could take, addressing and correcting his staff’s “culture of evasion” would be a damn good place to start.

Open message to Mitch Johnson

Mitch,

Hoggard says you claim nobody calls you to get your side of the story. I am asking you to meet with me. I want to hear your side of the story and also the privilege to question you.Please provide attention to the following requests and questions. If you want trust you could start by answering my questions. I am fully aware that there may not be a public document that can be handed out with each of my questions.

However, I am asking to be treated like Hoggard and given a chance to hear responses to questions. I am currently writing for the Peacemaker and am asking to be addressed as a member of the media. If you have any questions about my status please call Afrique Kilimanjaro. She is the editor of the Peacemaker.

Council/Tim Bellamy/Mitch Johnson:

Please update me about he investigation regarding the fraud committed against the Lavelle Williams family? I was told by the Mayor that the police would look into this and I even handed out evidence to help police with the investigation. How is that going? Is it going? Who is in charge of it? I also have feelings about a way to improve the non existence SOP for situations similar to what happened to Lavelle and her kids. The kids are struggling and going to counseling. I wish the city would recognize them and invite them back to spoil them some. You should do like Oprah does. The city obviously failed them and has not acknowledged that.

Is Cheryl Hallyburten a Juvenile Detective? By claiming her last in service class is not a public record you also claim there is no record of recent in service classes. At least the ones Hallyburten went to. Is that correct? Certainly there is a document that is public regarding in service classes?

I want Rakestraw's questions to the Chief of Police as well as his answers. I also want any questions or answers that have been written between Council and Mitch regarding James Hinson's half way house.

At the emergency council meeting that was called due to the alarming number of homicides, Rakestraw was told something about federal issues regarding the Hinson half way house. Please elaborate about Tim Bellamy's answer to Rakestraw. What exactly is the hold up? What federal issues?

Also, in January of 2006, WFMY reported the following: Greensboro, NC — A Greensboro police investigation challenges the former chief’s explanation for the infamous “black book.”City Manager Mitchell Johnson claims the special intelligence division used the book to conduct bogus investigations of black officers. He says it contained photos of 19 black officers and nearly a hundred other black males.Chief Wray says the book was used to investigate a sexual assault allegation against an officer. But Interim Chief Tim Bellamy says detectives haven't found any documentation of the incident.“We checked that system and no where can we find a report that fits the nature of what we've been investigating involving a police officer committing a sexual offense against a suspect,” Bellamy said.

Did Tim actually say this? Did Mitch claim that special intelligence division used the book to conduct bogus investigations of black officers? If not, did you ask WFMY for a retraction?

Legal:
The Clyde Albright letter? It has been a while since I first asked about it. I was last told they were researching it and would get back to me. On January 15, I was told: "Today’s update on the Albright Letter request is the matter is still being researched and to let you know that we will respond to you as soon as possible”

I need an update so I can include a time line on how long Linda and Becky Jo need to research this request in my latest complaint to the NC Bar.

Who called Tom Wright to ask him to speak at the council meeting in response to me? This is regarding the illegal release of certain parts of Clyde Albrights personnel file.

Is Tom Wright handling the case regarding the illegal personnel file release? It is formally called the Motion for protective order. Just don't want any confusion.

Please reveal if M. Prause, the lawyer that will work Mayor Johnson's town meeting is being paid for this. Please provide his exact role. Also, I am requesting in advance all questions submitted for that meeting.

Mitch:
I want the minutes, recording, as well as all the documents shown that are from Mitch's meeting with David Hoggard on Saturday. What was the purpose of that meeting? Why were notes, minutes or a recording not made? Why did Mitch not call a press conference? When can I met with Mitch to get a better understanding of this situation?

Please have your staff stop answering my requests by saying they are not public record. The law clearly says the city must provide documentation supporting all denials. To say, this is not public and nothing more is below the requirements. Please fix this issue ASAP

I want any and all questions you have gotten about a letter you wrote to Hinson when he was reinstated to the police force. It is being called a Memorandum of Understanding?