1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I recently read in the Capital Chronicle that Oregon has a public-records exemption for reports concerning costs associated with subsidized housing projects. I hope you agree that this exemption is not in the public interest. Given the examples of egregious spending by public agencies around the state, the public should be able to review project costs and identify problems early—before public funds are wasted or the damage has already occurred. I do not recall how this carve-out was created, but, like the loosening of Oregon’s public-meetings laws—which you opposed—shielding the actions of committees and bureaucracies from public scrutiny is rarely justified. I urge the Legislature to repeal this exemption for subsidized housing projects and ensure that the public can see how taxpayer money is being spent. Thank you for your service and for considering my views.