Originally Posted By: Carcassman
It is my understanding that the Open Meetings rules and the rules WA has about the actual making of rules, apply to WDFW. They don't apply to the Tribes, which is the conundrum. In order to meet with the Tribes and develop the fishing regulations WDFW must violate state law. Comply wit the law and the Tribes won't play.

The Tribe's reticence to allow open meetings is not law but rather a "policy" choice. Regardless, there is this basic conflict.


Sort of. Actually, the Open Public Meetings Act covers the Commission meetings, since they are the governing body. When they delegate to the Department, things get a little fuzzy. The simple solution, if the Commission really believes in transparency, is for the Commission to move to turn their NOF policy to a WAC, and to write open meetings into the law! That way, there is no question they are in compliance with the spirit of the law. Remember, they aren't talking about National Security matters in these negotiations!


If the Tribes refuse to attend the NOF because they feel the meetings are better served through secret meetings, then they can justify it in mediation with the court.

We might have to forgo fishing until it is sorted out, however, if things continue like they are, with the public being systematically taken out of the picture, we are going to eventually lose all our fishing altogether.
_________________________
"Forgiveness is between them and God. My job is to arrange the meeting."

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