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