Topeka ? Gov.-elect Kathleen Sebelius’ top-to-bottom review of state government began this week with the public still on the outside, unable to look in.

That’s despite statements from one of Sebelius’ review team leaders that his proceedings would be open to the public.

Sen. David Adkins, R-Leawood, had said a meeting of his public safety team on Wednesday at the Kansas State Historical Society would be open.

However, when reporters tried get into the meeting, they were turned away by team member Randy Rathbun, a former U.S. attorney for Kansas.

Adkins was in Wichita and participated in the Topeka meeting by teleconference. He didn’t return several messages left by The Associated Press on his cell phone and at his law office.

Sebelius announced five review teams last week. Her spokeswoman said Wednesday the decision to close the discussions would not change until after Sebelius takes office on Jan. 13.

“We really consider the individual meetings part of the transition process,” said spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran-Basso. “We want discussions to be as frank and open as possible. These are not policy-making or decision-making groups.”

She said the teams would continue to meet after Sebelius’ Jan. 13 inauguration.

The Attorney General’s Office says the teams would fall under the Kansas Open Meetings Act once Sebelius takes office, but until then they do not.

A letter was submitted Monday to the Sebelius transition team by The Associated Press requesting the names of team members and the dates of scheduled meetings. Corcoran-Basso said Wednesday a response to the letter was being prepared.

The transition office has received public comment indirectly through e-mail and telephone calls, Corcoran-Basso said. As of Wednesday, Sebelius had received 586 e-mails and 237 telephone suggestions for revamping state government.

“They have been very well thought out. We are going through each one and giving them to the team leaders,” Corcoran-Basso said.