The N&O and nine other North Carolina news organizations sued Gov. Mike Easley Monday.

The lawsuit contends that Easley's administration systematically deleted, destroyed and concealed e-mail messages sent or received by the Governor's office in violation of public records law.

It also accuses the state Department of Cultural Resources of establishing an illegal policy permitting government workers to delete e-mail messages they decide are of "short-term value."

In addition, it accuses Easley himself of violating the law last month by discarding a handwritten note from Carmen Hooker Odom about her views of the failure of mental health reform.

Based on Easley's other public statements, the lawsuit contends that he has probably discarded additional public records.

"They are taking this step reluctantly after not getting any indication from Governor Easley that he is willing to admit that the law has been violated, or to fix the violations," said the lead attorney in the lawsuit, Hugh Stevens. (N&O) 

An attorney for Gov. Mike Easley says he can't find any evidence that officials in the governor's office directed any state agency to "systematically delete and destroy email messages exchanged with the Governor's Office."

Reuben F. Young, legal counsel to Easley, wrote today to Hugh Stevens, an attorney for The News & Observer, that he had conducted an investigation into allegations that members of Easley's staff had instructed state agencies to destroy e-mail messages exchanged with the governor's office.

Young said his investigation included discussions with the governor's staff, including the communications director, press secretary and deputy press secretary.

"I have concluded that there is absolutely no evidence to support your allegation," Young wrote, referring to a letter sent Wednesday by Stevens on behalf of The N&O.

A high-profile panel on transportation was scheduled to meet last night at the home of a member.

The dinner, featuring a catered buffet and a flamenco band, was to be held on private Figure Eight Island near Wilmington. 

It was not open to the public because of an exception in the Open Meetings Law that allows government bodies to have a "social meeting" where no business is discussed.

"We're not having a meeting. We're having dinner," said Brad Wilson, chair of the 21st Century Transportation Committee. "It's a social event."

But First Amendment lawyer Hugh Stevens said the loophole means the public has only the word of the officials to rely on.

"It invites people to skirt the law, even though they'll be well-meaning and well-intentioned," he said. (Char-O)