Court rules Galloway has right to view records commission wants kept secret
RICHMOND – Clay County Commissioners Gene Owen and Luann Ridgeway lost another bid to prevent Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway from seeing commission meeting records, based on information released Monday.
“The Missouri Constitution does not limit the auditor’s access to certain kinds of records or evidence in conducting the audit,” Clay County Circuit Judge James Van Amburg ruled after hearing from both sides in the case Oct. 23.
Galloway said the commissioners should listen to taxpayers.
“I remain committed to the fight for answers on behalf of Clay County citizens. For too long, county commissioners ignored taxpayers’ calls for accountability. That’s why our office went to court to demand answers and ensure we get the facts,” she stated. “The court's ruling requires that Clay County officials comply with my audit and stop their obstruction. This ruling is not just a win for the people of Clay County, it's a win for all Missourians who exercise their right to hold their government…