Arrow-right Camera
Subscribe now

Public records contradiction

I read with interest Shawn Vestal’s article on public records law (“Yes, transparency is expensive…,” Sept. 2). In it he says the $60 million spent statewide complying with the law is a “bargain” given that the law is an essential tool for transparency in government. Standing alone, his article is a clear endorsement of the public records law.

Of course his article does not stand alone. A few days earlier, Vestal dismissed the documented violations of the law as not adequate to justify recall of the mayor (“Recalling the mayor doesn’t make much sense,” Aug. 30). His two articles are hard to reconcile.

If the public records law is as important as Vestal argues, one would expect from him a corresponding outrage after disclosure of knowing violations of the law. Instead Vestal’s response to the violations by city officials is tepid and nearly apologetic. The Spokesman editorial board itself has been virtually silent.

So, next time Vestal and his employer trumpet the importance of the public records law, ask yourself, “Did they stand up for it when it counted?” The answer will tell you the weight to give to their opinions.

Chris Wright

Spokane



Letters policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form
Submit your letter here
Mail
Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Fax
(509) 459-3815

Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy