What is the Public Meetings Law in Oregon?

The Public Meetings Law gives effect to Oregon’s policy of open decision-making by the state’s public bodies; in furtherance of that policy, the law requires that meetings at which decisions about the public’s business is made are open to the public; that the public has reasonable notice of the time, place and agenda.

Recently there was a meeting in Baker City between members of Oregon and Idaho state legislatures and a group of people calling themselves “Greater Idaho.” This meeting was closed to the public and press, and even our county commissioners were not invited.

They said this was not a decision-marking meeting, but when you get members of both states’ lawmaking bodies involved in a meeting discussing a border change, well, it makes me wonder. Our county commissioners stated they also had questions about this meeting and would not have attended even if invited.

This discussion affects and should include “all” Oregonians not just the conservatives in Eastern Oregon. Oregon is a proud state, and I am a proud Oregonian. It was established and settled by brave pioneers looking for a better life for themselves and their families, and should not be torn apart for the sake of politics.

Don Worley

Baker City