Good morning Community -
Yesterday, I was contacted by a Washington City Paper report seeking my comment on the judge's recent ruling in the FOIA lawsuit case (Conor Crimmins v. District of Columbia). The judge's rulings includes decisions & orders specific to me. This FOIA case stems from a 5B04 SMD information session I convened in April 2013 in which the info session included presentation by Brookland's Finest Bar and Kitchen for their liquor license application. You may google the case if you wish.
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From: Steptoe, Carolyn C.(ANC 5B04)
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 4:35 PM
To: Will Sommer
Subject: RE: Lawsuit
Hi Will -- Thanks so much for your email. Unfortunately, my time is limited but, I did want to respond quickly to you. I can only say that, with all due respect to the court, I strongly disagree with all Judge's O'Keefe's rulings in this audio FOIA case; his earlier rulings that (1) SMD info meetings are bona fide DC gov't meetings (nothing in DC Home Rule Charter and DC statute even acknowledges SMD meetings or info sessions and that (2) an ANC commissioner's personal effects and property (in this case, my audio recording device) are subject to public grabs under the auspices of public availability under FOIA in the course of ANC duty. Does that mean my car, home computer, phone, even house are subject to FOIA because they are used in the course of performing unpaid ANC work there? As unpaid entities, most ANCs citywide use their personal effects in the course of ANC duties. Interestingly though, both the SMD and personal property queries were substantiated to me in writing by OAG (the former also by the Office of the ANC) in late April/early Mary 2013 when this audio FOIA matter first arose (which I presume this court was aware) so, I am confused how these rulings occurred and this matter got this far.
However, what is most disturbing now is the judge's recent order which says - in none to subtle terms - that I deliberately disobeyed/destroyed court order by deliberately destroying property and worse, that I perjuryed under oath. What??? I volunteered to the court my tape recording device. I was not ordered nor subpoenaed to bring it. I voluntarily brought it to court and offered it to the court in the course of my testimony. No reason not to since I function in good faith as a dutiful, knowledgeable citizen.
Suffice it to say then, as a personal affront to my character and professional disposition and in conjunction with the judge's other rulings in this FOIA case, yes, I am disappointed, shocked and continue to strongly disagree with Judge O'Keefe's rulings in this matter.
Apologies if this is cryptic but I did want to provide you a response. Thank you again.
Very kind regards,
Commissioner Carolyn C. Steptoe
Single Member District 5B04
Vice Chairperson, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
5B04@anc.dc.gov (202) 321-3860/ANC cell
(202) 636-8191/home
(pardon typos, etc.)
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WHAT IS AN ANC?
The Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are locally elected bodies which shall advise the Council of the District of Columbia, the Mayor and each executive agency, the Government of the District of Columbia, all independent agencies, boards and commissions with respect to all proposed matters of District of Columbia governmental policy including but not limited to decisions regarding planning, streets, recreation, social service programs, education, health, safety, and sanitation which affect the Commission area. In each of these areas, the intent of the ANC legislation is to ensure input from an advisory board that is made up of the residents of the neighborhoods that are directly affected by government action. The ANCs are the body of government with the closest official ties to the citizens in a neighborhood.
Commissioners serve without compensation. See PL 93-198 and DCL 1-21, as amended.
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From: Will Sommer [wsommer@washingtoncitypaper.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 1:48 PM
To: Steptoe, Carolyn C.(ANC 5B04)
Subject: Lawsuit
Hi Commissioner Steptoe,
My name's Will Sommer, and I'm writing a story about the recent court ruling in your FOIA case. I'd love to talk with you when you're available today, my number's 703-863-1148.
Thanks for your time
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