Handwritten notes say state government public information officeres were instructed by Gov. Mike Easley's press office to delete e-mails.

Andrew A. Vanore Jr., a lawyer who works for Easley, produced notes made by two public information officers showing that they and others were told at a meeting May 29 to destroy e-mail messages, a move which could be against state law.

He said a third public information officer, whom he would not identify, also recalled the instructions.

However, he said the notes don't mean what they say.

"It could be interpreted a number of different ways, and the only way to properly interpret it would be to talk to the individual who took the note," he said.

The employee was not available, however, because Vanore has instructed all employees not to talk about the issue because the N&O might file a lawsuit. (N&O) 

Gov. Mike Easley today launched a "comprehensive review" of how his administration handles e-mail messages.

Easley announced that he has asked Franklin Freeman, one of his senior assistants, to lead a panel to review policies dealing with the retention of e-mail messages under the state's public record law. Easley said the review will pertain to the governor's office and all agencies in his administration.

“Use of e-mail and other electronic forms of communication have expanded in ways that were not contemplated in 1993 during a major update of our state’s public records law in which I was involved when I was Attorney General,” Easley said in a statement.

“Some people use e-mail instead of the telephone and others use e-mail instead of a fax machine. It is important to look at our policies to be sure records that are public are treated as such.”

Easley said meetings of the review panel will be open, and that the panel will hold public hearings to get input on the issue.

Easley wants the panel to recommend any changes needed in policies or procedures, or if any changes in state law are needed. The panel is to make a preliminary report by May 20.

Read more after the jump.

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