The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

There have been several attempts to defend the Port of Walla Walla's so-called transparency. The simple fact is that the Port of Walla Walla does not audio tape their meetings, choosing instead to take handwritten notes for their scheduled "regular" public meetings.

By comparison, the Walla Walla County Commission, Walla Walla City Council, College Place City Council and Waitsburg City Council all choose to audio tape their meetings. The Port Commission has chosen to ignore an easy, inexpensive step toward greater transparency.

Having spoken publicly at many port meetings, I find that the final reporting of public comments in their "minutes" is perfunctory at best, often leaving out highly important, pivotal information. Without an audio tape it freely allows the Port the opportunity for denial.

Maybe it's time for a change.

Norm Osterman Walla Walla