Publisher leaves Ala. board over closed meetings

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Newspaper publisher Paul Davis has
resigned from the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s board of
trustees after learning the board’s meetings are not open to the
public.
    Davis tells The Tuscaloosa News in a recent story that the
closed meetings are against everything he believes in as a
newspaper man.
    Davis, who is publisher of Davis Newspapers in Tuskegee, Auburn
and Tallassee, is also a longtime mental health advocate.
    He said he has been involved in lawsuits or supported suits
against government boards, municipal and county governments that
operate behind closed doors and was shocked to learn the meetings
he has attended for years were closed.
    Davis sent his resignation letter to state Mental Health
Commissioner John Houston and to Gov. Bob Riley on Thursday.