Mary Hosley v City of South Haven

A prime example of transparency and advocacy

 

Do you want someone who is diligent and will lead?  The legal action I took shows I will. 

 

To be clear, the legal case is CLOSED by a Stipulated Judgment entered on January 15, 2025.  

 

This case took so long and legal fees were increased because the City failed to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) even after legal action was filed!  The City filed a motion to keep material privileged and out of public view.  The City had the burden to establish a legitimate reason to deny production of the documents under FOIA.  

 

The Court DENIED the City's first motion, because it didn't provide enough information to allow the Court's review without the Court having to do the City's work.  The City then had to file a second motion.  The Court ultimately denied some of the reasons why the City had withheld information and ordered the City to produce improperly withheld information.  The City's refusal to comply with FOIA caused the legal action and increased costs and legal fees.​

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FOIA is about transparency.  FOIA is how a citizen can get access to information that only the government holds when the government does not voluntarily provide it.  In this case, staff.  ​Citizens deserve to know what information is available to staff to ensure the staff recommendations are sound. I am not elected to rubberstamp the Staff recommendation.  I'm elected to make sure sound decisions are made.  For that decision-making process, I usually need more information than staff provides.  Hence, there is FOIA.

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We are at a critical point in our City.  I will lead with integrity, impartiality, and transparency.  The legal action I took is the best example.  This matter is now final.  I have had legal fees and expenses reimbursed as allowed under the law because the City failed to comply with FOIA.  Because I love South Haven so much, I have donated more than those fees back to the community through donations to local nonprofit groups, like We Care.

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If you have any questions, please contact me directly, because what you read on social media or hear from others has failed to be transparent and appears to be inaccurate.