GENTRY — Former Gentry Mayor Wes Hogue is suing the current mayor and fire chief for access to records concerning money he saidwas raised for the Fire Department.
Hogue, acting as his own attorney, filed the Freedom of Information lawsuit last weekagainst Gentry. The suit also names Mayor Kevin Johnston and Fire Chief Vester Cripps as defendants.
Hogue filed a Freedom of Information request Aug. 31 asking for a copy of a deposit slip concerning money raised from the 2010 Fall Festival Car Show. Hogue claims money raised from the event wasdeposited into a city bank account.
Hogue’s request sought a copy of the checking history for 2010 and who the checks were made outto on the account into which the money was deposited. Hogue also wanted copies of any other documents concerning where themoney was raised and for what purpose it was donated.
Johnston said he had not seen the suit and neither he nor Cripps would comment until the city attorney had been provided with the suit.
JoEllen Martin, the city clerktreasurer, responded to Hogue on Sept. 1, saying she did not have any of the requested information.
Hogue said he then submitted his request to Cripps and, days later, Cripps claimed no money was deposited for the city or the Fire Department.
Hogue, who was mayor for 12 years, said he has evidence money was raised at the event and hewants to know what happened to it.
“They have denied me access to public documents that they are required to keep,” Hogue said. “Public documents are available for viewing by any citizen of the state of Arkansas.”
Hogue said he spent his terms as mayor abiding by the Freedom of Information Act and it disturbs him city officials are not adhering to the law.
Hogue said he filed the suit because he feels it is important to take a stance and it is his right to view the documents.
The suit is assigned to Circuit Judge Mark Fryau.
They have denied me access to public documents that they are required to keep.
- Wes Hogue
News, Pages 1 on 09/21/2011