Harford’s Cassilly Administration Files Appeal to Block Government Intrusion

Harford’s Cassilly administration has appealed a court decision ordering disclosure to the sheriff of a county employee’s handwritten notes taken during the sheriff’s public testimony at a County Council meeting. The meeting held on April 30, 2024, was open to the public and recorded and posted on the county website.

Despite the public’s access to all spoken proceedings, the Harford County sheriff demanded to see the county director of administration’s handwritten notes taken during the sheriff’s testimony.

“Our appeal of the court ruling is not about the disclosure of what was said at a council meeting; that information is already public, as it should be,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “Rather, we are acting on principle. I strongly oppose overly intrusive government. Compelling the disclosure of a county employee’s unspoken thoughts is an outrageous intrusion that serves no legitimate public purpose. With this appeal, we seek to protect an essential component of good governance and common sense. I fundamentally reject the idea that an employee can be forced to reveal unspoken thoughts. We have no need for such thought policing.

Nonetheless, because false accusations have been made that the director of administration’s notes are being hidden for nefarious reasons, thereby undermining the public’s confidence in their government, we are publicly releasing the notes herewith.”