Closed government

I read with great interest Stephen T. LeCuyer’s letter to the Editor in the March 8 La Conner Weekly News.

In this day and age, information is communicated swiftly, but unfortunately not always thoroughly. Information from leaders of our federal government is often limited to “tweets” from our President that at times are more puzzling than helpful and informative. That, in my view, makes the role of the press in our society even more important in keeping track of what is happening in our local and federal governments.

We have a local newspaper that strives to cover stories that impact all of us in Skagit County. The more accurately we are informed the better decisions we as free people can make.

Prominently displaying Mr. LeCuyer’s letter critical of the accuracy of some statements in a recent La Conner Weekly article headlined “this government is closed to the public” and following that with an equally prominent “Corrections” section speaks volumes to me of the rare gem of a newspaper we are privileged to have in La Conner.

Reading Mr. LeCuyer’s letter stating that some “government to government” meetings are not open to the public upset me. I put a call into Greg Norton of the Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Northwest Region and to Mr. LeCuyer. Greg, while not aware of the specific consultation I was referring to, stated “public comment” was not permitted, according to government regulations. I offered public comment is different from having the press observe and take notes.

Unfortunately, Stephen did not return my call. Had he called, I would have asked did he lobby for the Department of the Interior to open the consultation to the local press to observe and take notes so that all citizens can have the benefit of information that could very well impact their lives and property? If not, why not?

Carole Huffman

Shelter Bay