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What started as a simple request for court revenue records in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma turned into a heated confrontation when city officials repeatedly refused to comply with basic transparency laws. The interaction, captured on camera, reveals a troubling pattern of hostility toward citizens exercising their legal rights.
The Initial Stonewalling
When a journalist first visited city hall requesting a simple roster of the 13 police officers and their badge numbers, the clerk immediately became evasive. Despite claiming the information would take time to "get together," she acknowledged knowing exactly how many officers worked there. Her suggestion to return Monday or Tuesday for what should be readily available public information set the tone for everything that followed.
The pattern became clear when the journalist returned asking for court fine collection records. The same clerk again refused to provide available information, claiming she was too busy despite being the designated records custodian.
City Council Member Inserts Himself
The situation escalated dramatically when Scott Wilkerson, a city council member, interrupted the records request to defend the clerk's obstructionist behavior. What followed was a remarkable exchange where Wilkerson challenged the citizen's right to expect timely compliance with open records laws.
The attorney making the request calmly explained Oklahoma's Open Records Act requirements, noting his professional expertise in Title 51. His response to Wilkerson's interference was direct: "You're just on the city council. You don't have a role in performing functions for this government. So you might just want to mind yourself and get the hell out of my business."
Police Called Over Camera
As tensions rose, the attorney revealed something that changes everything about this interaction. He had been recording the entire exchange, leading to questions about why city employees seemed so camera-averse. The clerk who had been providing information suddenly fled when she realized she was being filmed.
Police were called to the scene, with Captain Reynolds arriving to investigate. The body camera question became central as the attorney specifically requested the officer activate his recording device.
Expert Knowledge Meets Bureaucratic Resistance
The attorney's professional background became evident as he systematically dismantled the city's excuses. His expertise in Oklahoma's Open Records Act was clear when he explained the legal requirements for producing available records within a reasonable timeframe, not at the government's convenience.
When the town clerk finally returned from lunch, the dynamic shifted. She proved more cooperative, providing contact information and working toward a resolution. The contrast between her professional approach and her colleagues' hostility was stark.
The Return Visit Reveals More Problems
The story takes another turn when the attorney returns to collect his promised records, only to encounter the same resistant clerk again. Her continued attitude problem suggests this wasn't an isolated incident but a pattern of obstructionist behavior toward citizens requesting public information.
The footage raises serious questions about transparency culture in West Siloam Springs and whether citizens can expect their government to comply with basic accountability laws.
Watch the full confrontation to see how this remarkable exchange concludes and whether the city ultimately provides the requested public records.
