The People's Right to Know, or a Town Official's Right to Privacy?

As the saga with the town officials keep going on, I have been again blocked from receiving information that I feel should be made public. Our town charter, Article 4.10, calls for an annual review of the town manager's performance by the Warren Town Council. I recently requested to view a copy of this report and was told it was private and not public.

I addressed the town solicitor on this matter and have been directed to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office for a response. Maybe I am barking up the wrong street, but how is a town employee that is paid $70,000 and works for the citizens of this town entitled to an evaluation that is private? I am not looking for his shoe size, but how does the town council rate him in his performance on town matters? Because of what I have been through, I give him an F!

If anyone else feels like I do, please step up and speak your mind. My letter to the AG is below:

RI Attorney General Office

150 South Main Street

Providence, RI  02885

Re: Request for a Public Record

To whom it may concern:

I have been directed to respond to the AG’s office by the Town of Warren’s Solicitor regarding a request for information that I feel should be public knowledge and town officials are claiming it is private.  I have enclosed emails to address my concerns.  Warren’s Town Charter article 4.10 Annual review of the Town Manger, states “The Town Council shall prepare and deliver to the Town Manager a written evaluation of the Town Manager’s performance”.

My concern is our manger has failed to perform some of his duties, as I am looking into his office of duties; he is a town employee receiving $70,000.oo of tax payer’s money. His position is to work for the pleasure of the Citizens of this town. Town government is “for the people, by the people; why would this person’s job performance be blocked from public viewing? There should be nothing of a personal nature in this review other then how he performed his duties as manger within the time frame of the year.

Please respond to this request with your opinion.

Best regards,

David Silvia