The City of Manchester on Thursday, July 16 emailed area media and posted to Facebook that it is seeking injunctive relief against a Coffee County citizen in what the city claims is an “ongoing pattern of misuse of the Tennessee Public Records Act.”
In its statement, the city claims that since March 2023, “the individual named in the legal action, who is not a resident of the City of Manchester, has submitted 402 line-item public records requests, including 64 departmental requests submitted through 22 TPRA request forms, in addition to numerous other requests and communications dating back to 2019.”
The city does not offer a name of this person in its public statement. However, Sarah Bradley has confirmed she believes this is about her. Bradley does not live in the city, but does live within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary in Coffee County and states that she receives Manchester City water.
“Can’t wait to talk about EACH line item, y’all,” Bradley posted on social media with a share of the city’s statement. “That’s going to raise FAR more questions than the case answers. And hos is this ‘before the court’ when I still haven’t been served? I’d ask in the comments but OF COURSE the City of Manchester closed them.”
Bradley can often be found on social media raising questions about city’s governmental operations, lack of availability of public documents and mocking the city’s claims to be transparent.
The city’s statement continues: “Following consultation with legal counsel and pursuant to action pursued by the City’s elected representatives, the City determined that pursuing injunctive relief was necessary to protect public resources and ensure that City employees can continue providing essential services to the citizens of Manchester.
“The City’s legal action includes allegations regarding the volume, nature, and circumstances surrounding these requests, including allegations that the Defendant may have acted in coordination with other individuals. Because this matter is now pending before the courts, the City will have no further comment at this time.”
After posting the statement on Facebook, the City of Manchester turned off public comments – not allowing for public feedback or opinion on the matter on the city’s official Facebook page.
The statement continues: “The City of Manchester has never been found to have violated the Tennessee Public Records Act and remains committed to transparency, accountability and compliance with all lawful public records requests. the City will continue to meet its obligations.”
Peterson Media Group has reached out to Bradley for comment but has not received on as of publication.
SEE THE FULL STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF MANCHESTER HERE:
“City of Manchester Statement Regarding Tennessee Public Records Act Litigation After numerous attempts to resolve this matter through discussion and negotiation, the City of Manchester has determined that it is necessary to seek injunctive relief regarding what the City alleges is an ongoing pattern of misuse of the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA). The City contends that this activity has disrupted municipal operations and placed a significant burden on taxpayer-funded resources.
“Since March 2023, the individual named in the legal action, who is not a resident of the City of Manchester, has submitted 402 line-item public records requests, including 64 departmental requests submitted through 22 TPRA request forms, in addition to numerous other requests and communications dating back to 2019.
“Following consultation with legal counsel and pursuant to action approved by the City’s elected representatives, the City determined that pursuing injunctive relief was necessary to protect public resources and ensure that City employees can continue providing essential services to the citizens of Manchester.
“The City’s legal action includes allegations regarding the volume, nature, and circumstances surrounding these requests, including allegations that the Defendant may have acted in coordination with other individuals. Because this matter is now pending before the courts, the City will have no further comment at this time.
“The City of Manchester has never been found to have violated the Tennessee Public Records Act and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and compliance with all lawful public records requests. The City will continue to meet its obligations.”
