Why Hide?

Upstate Today (June 28, 2024):  In the print version of today's Seneca Journal/Upstate Today the editor wrote a blistering commentary on the City of Clemson withholding all emails and related information for a portion of a resident's FOIA (Freedom of Information) request for which the resident paid over $1,000.  

The city cited attorney-client privilege but provided no information at all for emails during 5 months of the 16 months requested by the resident.  The editor states "We get it, the law protects just letting anybody get their hands on privileged documents - but what are in those subject lines?  Who are the recipients? Why can't anyone see those? Why is the city becoming increasingly defensive over hoarding these emails?"

"When Councilwoman Watt went to bat for (the resident" asking for the emails as a council member she was advised by the city attorney that there wasn't anything in state law that requires the city to provide the redacted materials".