Post by Logan on Apr 19, 2016 0:42:33 GMT -6
Appeals court hears arguments over ports’ confidential meetings
The state Court of Appeals heard arguments Monday on whether the ports of Tacoma and Seattle broke state law in holding confidential meetings about the ports’ eventual partnership.
Arthur West, an open-government advocate, sued the ports two years ago. He said the ports violated the state Open Public Meetings Act by holding confidential sessions to discuss a proposed seaport alliance. West’s case was dismissed by King County Superior Court last year, but he filed an immediate appeal.
The ports have argued that the closed meetings are covered by the Federal Maritime Commission and that state law doesn’t apply. Both ports have since formed the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
The court’s ruling could answer two questions: Can a public agency use provisions in federal law to hold confidential meetings that might not be allowed under the state Open Public Meetings Act, and, who can sue an agency for a violation of the state open meetings law?
Read more here: www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article72525002.html
The state Court of Appeals heard arguments Monday on whether the ports of Tacoma and Seattle broke state law in holding confidential meetings about the ports’ eventual partnership.
Arthur West, an open-government advocate, sued the ports two years ago. He said the ports violated the state Open Public Meetings Act by holding confidential sessions to discuss a proposed seaport alliance. West’s case was dismissed by King County Superior Court last year, but he filed an immediate appeal.
The ports have argued that the closed meetings are covered by the Federal Maritime Commission and that state law doesn’t apply. Both ports have since formed the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
The court’s ruling could answer two questions: Can a public agency use provisions in federal law to hold confidential meetings that might not be allowed under the state Open Public Meetings Act, and, who can sue an agency for a violation of the state open meetings law?
Read more here: www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article72525002.html