For Immediate Release         More Information
   April 23, 2001          www.stopthesecrets.org

           StoptheSecrets announces the
             Secret Meeting Hotline
                 615-354-0719

StoptheSecrets, a grass roots organization formed
to promote open and accountable state government
for Tennessee, today announced the SECRET MEETING
HOTLINE. Anyone who knows of a secret legislative
meeting or knows of plans to hold a meeting where
the public and media are not allowed, is asked to
call 615-354-0719. The callers do not have to
identify themselves but for those who do wish to
reveal their identity, all information will be held
in strict confidence. Citizens are encouraged to 
call about all types of secret meetings, including 
formal committee meetings, ad hoc meetings, caucuses,
and informal working groups where state business is 
being conducted, Republican or Democratic.

"Upon receiving valid and credible information
about a secret meeting, StoptheSecrets volunteers
will immediately alert members of the press and
proceed directly to the site of the meeting and
demand access," said Ben Cunningham, a member of
the group. "Volunteers are on stand-by and can
travel to Legislative Plaza within 15-20 minutes.
We know that some secret meetings last year were
protected by state security guards and we may risk
arrest. If that is the case, then so be it."

Members of StoptheSecrets say they would have
preferred not to have taken this action. "We have
jobs and other interests which need our attention.
However, the recent defeat of Rep. Davis
"Political Accountability Reform Act of 2001"
makes it clear that Speaker Naifeh and the House
leadership is unwilling to protect the right of
taxpayers and voters to easily access legislative
information. "

"The citizens of Tennessee are now left with no
alternative but to take matters into their own
hands. This is OUR state and OUR $18 billion.
Legislators must be held accountable if they are
unwilling to conduct public business in public."


For more information visit the Web site:
www.stopthesecrets.org email:
brcnash@bellsouth.net or call 615-354-0719
(Voice/Fax).