Page 1 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Telephone 334/452-7800 Fax 334/452-2875 Jesse M. Norwood, Mayor July 23, 1999 Wayne Lafitte, President James Pogue, Councilman Clifford Bryant, Councilman Hark Ephraim, Councilman Marvin Leachman, Councilman PRICHARD CITY COUNCIL 216 E. Prichard Avenue Prichard, Alabama 36610 Re: Veto of Ordinance No. 1878 Dear Gentlemen: This comes as my veto of Ordinance No. 1878 adopted by the City Council on July 20, 1999. We live in a democratic society - one of the people and for the people. Government, especially local government, which forum is the largest of public institutions in or republic, should be open and a place where the general public may give its input without fear of retribution, reprisal or intimidation. This Ordinance, in my opinion, threatens that openness and subjects the public in general, the employees of our City, and my staff in particular to intimidation. Moreover, the Ordinance is wholly without any guidelines or definition of disorderly or contemptuous conduct. Further, this Ordinance would subject innocent persons to criminal prosecution for appearing before a body that would be illegal in the first instance, namely, a council committee of less than a quorum meeting in secret, which you have shown a propensity to appoint. Gentlemen, this Ordinance constitutes a legislative act, continuing in nature, and general in its application. Hence, it is one of a general and permanent nature and of permanent operation. It is hereby vetoed. City of Prichard, Alabama, 216 E. Prichard Avenue, Prichard, Alabama 36610 “A City With A Future”