The Decatur Daily (http://bit.ly/PQqWjM ) filed a public records request asking for correspondence between the governor and his staff or agency heads about possible cuts and about plans for early retirement incentives for public employees.
Bentley's chief deputy legal adviser, Anne Elizabeth McGowin, responded that the information is not public record because it is part of the deliberative process and does not represent the ultimate decision. She said disclosure "would impair future evaluations by inhibiting candid conversation."
Alabama Press Association attorney Dennis Bailey said there is no law in Alabama that says working documents are exempt.
