W-S Journal: Perdue reviewing Easley’s order on state e-mail policy

From the Winston-Salem Journal (1/12/08): North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue says her office is reviewing an executive order filed by predecessor Mike Easley that attempts to clarify policy about state e-mails.

Easley signed the order Friday, a day before he left office.

The order responded to a lawsuit filed by media outlets last year accusing his administration of breaking the law by systematically deleting e-mails that were public records. Easley denied that occurred and formed a state panel to determine whether e-mail retention policies should be changed.

Media lawyer Hugh Stevens said his clients are reviewing the order. Perdue had planned to sign her own executive order Monday on e-mails but delayed it so she could examine Easley’s order.