County Council's Democrats Hold Closed Door Meetings

Allegheny County Council's Democratic Caucus says their closed door meetings are not a violation of the states Sunshine Act. Although the meetings make it possible for a quorum to be formed Council President Rich Fitzgerald says no votes have ever been taken and the purpose of the meetings is for informational purposes. He says the meetings give the newer members of council a chance to ask questions that they would be uncomfortable asking in public, and allow the part time legislators to have needed meeting time. He says if a court or legislative body gives a ruling that the meetings should not continue then the council will abide by that and no longer hold the meetings.