To the Editor:
This letter was sent to District Attorney Michael D. O’Keefe.
As you are well aware, the legislature has chosen to shift responsibility for enforcement of the Open Meeting Law (G.L.C. 38, § 23B) from the District Attorney’s Offices to the Attorney General’s Office, effective July 1, 2010. I am town counsel to five towns on Martha’s Vineyard and the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission and, over the years, have had numerous occasions to consult with your office on a multitude of questions about the Open Meeting Law.
I wish to express my special thanks to Michael A. Trudeau and Thomas 0. Shack 3rd, who have invariably provided me with prompt, concise, and invaluable guidance. In particular, both have helped me, whenever I called, with formulating advice that balanced the public’s right to know with the need for local boards to discuss matters in executive session.
On behalf of myself and the governmental entities which I represent, I wish to express my gratitude for the assistance I have received from your office over the years.
Ronald H. Rappaport
Edgartown
