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 02.17.10
Newspapers Seek "Transparency"... And What Else? |
Oregon's Attorney General, John Kroger, has announced
a series of public meetings to discuss "Government Transparency."
We agree this is an important issue. In Oregon, legislation
is often the subject of "amendments" that are not
available to anyone, even legislators, until someone walks into
a hearing and puts them on the table. This in spite of the definition
of "public record" given by Kroger himself:
"With a few exceptions, all government records of any
kind are considered public records. Specifically, a "public
record" is any writing that contains information relating
to the conduct of public business that is prepared, owned, used
or retained by a public body."
So while we are very supportive of making Oregon government
as "transparent" as possible, we are concerned about
whom the AG chose as a "partner" for these meetings.
The Oregon Newspaper Publisher's Association.
These are the folks who were the major force behind disclosure
of the private information of those with concealed handgun licenses.
Although most sheriffs now refuse to reveal this information,
the ONPA has made repeated efforts to force disclosure of this
private and sensitive data. There is at least one lawsuit in
process to force a sheriff to turn over this information to
a newspaper.
Our position has always been that the records of persons with
CHL's should not be considered "government documents"
or treated like information about government functions. They
are, in fact, records created because of the demands of the
state on those who simply choose to exercise their rights.
The AG is planning several meetings to take public testimony
on the issue of public records and "transparency."
If you want to make your voice heard you can get more information
here.
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