The blame game has been exposed! The Director blames the Tribes, the Tribes say talk to the Director. The games have to end. We've sent this letter to get the answers. It's time for Director Unsworth and Chair Loomis to answer the people and stop the finger pointing. Open the meetings or give us a good justification why they must be closed. Director Unsworth, Given your public statements that the Department supports open meetings,( which was echoed by many on the Commission) saying it is the Tribes that are in opposition and that your hands are tied, we have reached out to Chair Loomis, NWIFC for clarification. After many repeated requests for a brief meeting with Chair Loomis, we were finally contacted by her spokesperson Lois Allen. Asking in the spirit of trust building and cooperation we requested a meeting hoping to open dialogue concerning the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission’s objection to a small live feed video camera. We received the following reply: "Mr. Menchaca: The issues you raised should be brought to the attention of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Thank you. Lois Allen Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission” Of course, this reply is very confusing for us. It appears Chair Loomis is indicating that the Department is the final authority and perhaps, as the Director, you are in a position to do the right thing and allow public oversight. Since we have now been directed back to your office, we would like an explanation as to why the Chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission feels this is a matter you should address. Are you acting in a position of spokesperson for the NWIFC? If so, perhaps you can let us know the “Why” they are opposed to public oversight, as you’ve previously stated. We have been told “NO” but we’ve never been told “WHY”. I’m sure you’ve told Chair Loomis of your support to open meetings and she has justified to you her opposition. As you’re aware, there is a citizen sportsmen's movement to address the locked doors of these meetings, with a petition that has garnered near 4000 signatures and is growing daily. This is only a small portion of the thousands of sportsmen and women who are following this issue on social media and through publications like The Reel News. We have the ability to communicate directly to these sportsmen through email, petition updates and the printed word. As such, we are all anxiously waiting your explanation. Respectfully, P. Menchaca Washington Citizen’s Open WDFW/Tribal NOF