The United States differs from many other countries in that one of the principles of our government is openness and transparency to the public.
We can watch and listen to our elected representatives debate and make the decisions that affect our lives and spend our tax dollars.
One notable exception to the state Open Public Meetings Act, which generally requires that all meetings of governing bodies be open to the public, is for collective bargaining negotiations between local governments and unions.
While such negotiations may be open to the public, state law also allows them to be held in secret.
There is now, however, a trend to allow the public to observe such negotiations as well.
Lincoln County so decided last year, followed by the Pullman School District.
Legislation was introduced in the state Senate and House of Representatives this year to accomplish the same at the state level.
Such openness is an excellent idea for several reasons.
Few would argue that increased transparency is a bad thing in and of itself.
Openness would show that negotiations that decide on about three-quarters of Clallam County’s budget are in fact fair to the taxpayer.
Any suspicion of self-dealing or questionable negotiating tactics would be laid to rest by holding open meetings.
You can let our county commissioners know your views on this subject every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the county courthouse during the public comment period, or by emailing them at commissioners@co.clallam.wa.us, or individually at rjohnson@co.clallam.wa.us, bpeach@co.clallam.wa.us or mozias@co.clallam.wa.us.
Kaj Ahlburg,
Port Angeles