It has come to our attention that a private citizen has filed a LAWSUIT AGAINST THE DIRECTOR OF WDFW AND THE COMMISSION MEMBERS for, among other things, VIOLATION OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT BY HOLDING THESE SECRET MEETINGS AND PROHIBITING THE PUBLIC.
We have also discovered that THE DIRECTOR AND COMMISSION ARE GOING TO COURT TO FIGHT AGAINST TRANSPARENCY, ASKING A JUDGE TO THROW OUT THE CASE!
Here is the PROOF, beyond any doubt, that THE COMMISSION HAS ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION OF ALLOWING THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE INNER WORKINGS OF THESE MEETINGS. By joining in the motion to dismiss, they are fighting against you and the thousands of other concerned citizens who have joined together in asking for greater transparency.
Yes, you read this correctly! The Commission is actually going to go to court to INSURE THAT THE PUBLIC WILL NEVER HAVE ACCESS TO SEEING OR HEARING FIRST HAND WHAT GOES ON IN THESE SECRET MEETINGS.
THIS IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF HYPOCRISY! For over three years the Commissioners have mouthed their support for greater transparency. They consulted us and encouraged us to KEEP FIGHTING. They have blamed the tribes, used excuses like “Gov’t to Gov’t” and told us they are working on a solution. YET, NOW WE SEE THAT RATHER THAN ACTUALLY WORKING FOR TRANSPARENCY, THEY ARE GOING TO COURT TO END ANY HOPE OF IT!
CLEARLY, THE COMMISSIONERS, WHO WE HAVE TRUSTED TO BE OUR REPRESENTATIVES, ARE BLATANTLY AND WITHOUT REGARD, STABBING US IN THE BACK!
All we request is fairness and equality in the management of our fish. A small, live feed video camera that broadcasts on CCTV so anyone interested can watch what goes on in these meetings. Such a small and simple thing, yet they choose to fight it in court rather than work in good faith with the tribes to make it happen. If the Commission cannot even work with the tribes to get this small concession, imagine what else they are giving up in these meetings!
MORE THAN AT ANY OTHER TIME, YOU MUST ACT NOW!
USE WHATEVER CONTACTS YOU HAVE. GET THIS OUT ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. LET EVERY CITIZEN KNOW HOW DESTRUCTIVE AND HYPOCRITICAL THIS IS!
CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES BY EMAIL AND PHONE. LET THEM KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. ASK THEM TO ADDRESS THIS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
State Elected Representatives Contact
SEND AN EMAIL AND CALL THE GOVERNORS OFFICE. DEMAND HE ADDRESS THIS WITH THE COMMISSION.
SEND AN EMAIL TO THE COMMISSION. TELL THEM THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. TELL THEM HOW HYPOCRITICAL IT IS AND LET THEM KNOW THEY NEED TO END THESE SECRET MEETINGS INSTEAD OF FIGHTING AGAINST TRANSPARENCY IN COURT!
Commission@DFW.WA.GOV
IT IS ONLY BY YOUR ACTIONS NOW, WILL WE HAVE ANY CHANCE OF ENDING THESE DESTRUCTIVE SECRET MEETINGS.