By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Jonathan Broadbent

When a local government meeting shows up on a partisan advocacy site instead of the county’s own portal, it feels like the town hall has been moved behind a curtain.

Legal Framework: Ohio’s Sunshine Law

Broadbent points out that Ohio Revised Code §121.22 mandates that any public body must give at least 24 hours advance notice to the news media when it schedules a special meeting. The law is clear: the requirement is mandatory, not optional. As he explains, “The meeting coming up today at 9 o’clock is a special meeting. The public body shall not hold a special meeting unless it gives at least 24 hours advance notice to the news media that have requested notification.”

Despite this, the ADP board’s gathering was absent from the county website, the ADP site, and even the local newspaper, the Maple Leaf. The only public posting was on the League of Women Voters’ website, an organization Broadbent describes as “biased, ultra‑liberal.” While he concedes the group’s dedication, he stresses that relying on a partisan outlet for legal notices undermines the spirit of the Sunshine Law.

The League of Women Voters: A Double‑Edged Sword

Broadbent and Claypool acknowledge the League’s vigilance in attending and documenting county meetings. Broadbent remarks, “If the Republican side were as dedicated as they are, they send a person to every county meeting.” He praises the group’s “Observer Corps” for showing up, taking notes, and posting minutes, yet he remains wary of their political leanings, calling the organization “a group of dedicated Marxists who want to change this country.”

This ambivalence reflects a broader dilemma for community watchdogs: while their work fills gaps left by official channels, over‑reliance on partisan groups can erode public trust in the impartiality of governmental processes.

Why the Meeting Matters to Geauga Residents

The ADP board’s agenda has not been disclosed, and Broadbent suspects the session will quickly move into executive‑session mode, limiting public debate. He warns, “They will go into an executive session, have all the discussions in executive session, come out and just say, we make a motion… and they get a second, and there’s no discussion, and they vote on it. That is a violation of the Sunset Law.” Such practices, he notes, have been observed repeatedly in local school‑board meetings, where decisions appear pre‑determined before any public input.

For ordinary citizens, the lack of transparency translates to missed opportunities to influence policies that affect taxes, services, and community projects. Broadbent urges listeners to attend the 9 a.m. meeting, film it, and voice concerns, noting that “the more people show up and express their concern, the harder it is for these guys to get away with this crap.”

Steps Toward Greater Accountability

Broadbent’s call to action includes three practical steps: first, verify meeting notices by contacting the county auditor’s office directly; second, demand that ADP post notices in a recognized news outlet, such as Voice of Geauga, which is officially filed as a media organization; and third, organize a community presence at the meeting to ensure the discussion remains public.

He also highlights the importance of maintaining a “public papers” requirement, referencing the Maple Leaf’s own request for notifications. By holding the county accountable to its own statutes, residents can reinforce the transparency that Ohio law intends to guarantee.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Notice System

Broadbent concludes that the current loophole—where a single advocacy group becomes the de‑facto source for meeting notices—must be closed. He suggests that the county adopt a centralized digital portal for all public‑meeting postings, ensuring that any citizen can locate notices without sifting through partisan sites.

In an era where civic engagement is increasingly digital, ensuring that official channels are the primary source of information is essential for a healthy democracy. As Broadbent puts it, “We need to start expressing ourselves or these guys just get away with this crap.” The upcoming ADP meeting will serve as a litmus test for how well Geauga County upholds its own transparency standards.

The full episode of Voice of Geauga is available on OBBM Network TV.