Grohn Says City Attorney Hinton Has Failed As City Ethics Officer; Hinton Says Grohn Makes "Unfounded Allegations"

  • Monday, February 13, 2017

City Councilman Larry Grohn, a mayoral candidate, said City Attorney Wade Hinton has failed as the city ethics officer.

He did so after saying that Attorney Hinton is not complying with state law in allegedly withholding records from an Open Records request.

Councilman Grohn wrote:

Mr. Hinton,

On January 4th, 2017 I requested all text and email documentation between your City Attorney's office and the staff of Mayor Andy Berke in regards to open records requests.

I believe you are purposefully violating both the city's and state's FOIA rules.
 
You did not respond to my Jan. 4th until Jan. 24th. Even then, you only responded to my email of Jan. 23rd. Then you stated you would answer in two weeks. It has been another 20 days since Jan. 24th.
I believe you are in clear violation of city and state sunshine regulations.
 
In my opinion, you have failed in your sworn responsibility as the City of Chattanooga ethics officer. If you are unable to fulfill your duties, you should voluntarily give up the responsibilities to someone who will correctly follow the law.

In response, City Attorney Hinton said he was not out of compliance and said Councilman Grohn was making "unfounded allegations."

City Attorney Hinton said:

Councilman Grohn -

Thank you for your email.  It appears you are mistaken, sir.  Our records indicate that we are in compliance with the update you received in late January.  Let this email serve as an update.

We will have the first batch of records for your review by close of business tomorrow.  We will also provide a schedule of when you can expect to receive any other documents fulfilling your request - a request that includes extensive research and labor since it involves items dating back to October 2013 and requires review for a number of applicable privileges under the Tennessee Open Records Act and other laws.  As you are aware, we are currently in the process of hiring an open records specialist and are processing these requests as fast we can.

Additionally, it is not lost on this office that City elections are approaching on March 7.  This is not the first time this office has received unfounded allegations (and inaccurate references to laws) from you in the past few months. This office is non-political, and on behalf of the office, to state anything to the contrary is both inappropriate and untrue.  Respectfully, this office, and the good people who work here, are here to serve, and not to become part of any political campaign.

Please contact me directly if you have any questions or require additional assistance.

Yours truly,

W.A. Hinton
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
  • 3/27/2024

A 25-year-old Chattanooga man, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for supplying drugs that led to the death of 19-year-old Charlotte Gallant. Jonathan Bash appeared before Judge Curtis ... more