White removed from censure
The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 3-0 Thursday, Aug. 14, to censure Alderman Alex Cain for violating the Tennessee Sunshine Law after he admitted to discussing a vote in private with another alderman.
Mayor Ron Williams, Vice Mayor Scott Meyer and Alderman Drew Burnette supported the resolution of censure. Cain abstained while Alderman David White, who was originally included in the measure, was absent due to illness.
Town attorney Tom Hale recommended removing White from the resolution, saying the alderman was too ill to attend and could not respond for himself. The board unanimously agreed to censure only Cain.
The resolution stated Cain acknowledged having a private conversation with White about Resolution PC-25-05 before a public vote, a violation of the state’s Open Meetings Act. It cited Cain’s July 23 letter to the farragutpress and his public admission during a July 24 meeting as evidence.
“The Board of Mayor and Aldermen finds it necessary, appropriate and in the best interests of the Town and its citizens to issue this Resolution of Censure to affirm its commitment to transparency, uphold the rule of law and discourage future violations of the Tennessee Open Meetings Act,” the resolution read.
Cain said after the vote he was “disappointed” in himself and the way the issue unfolded.
“I did not intend to violate the law and do something behind the residents’ back,” he said.
Meyer said he believed Cain acted without intent but supported the resolution.
“Notwithstanding, with intent and transparency, a violation did occur,” Meyer said. “Because the resolution is not punitive, I can support the principle behind it.”
Hale emphasized that a violation of the Sunshine Law does not require intent, citing a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling that inadvertent actions can still constitute violations. He added the censure carried no punishment beyond a formal statement of disapproval.
WillIams said the action should serve as a reminder for all town committees and boards.
Cain, who was elected in 2024, said he learned from the experience.
“I know I made a mistake. There was no intent to make that mistake. There was never an intent to violate the Sunshine Act,” he said.
