There have been several attempts to defend the Port of Walla Walla's "so-called" transparency. The simple fact is the Port of Walla Walla does not audio tape its meetings, choosing instead to take handwritten notes for scheduled "regular" public meetings.

By comparison, the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners, Walla Walla City Council, College Place City Council and Waitsburg City Council all choose to audio tape their meetings. The port commission has chosen to ignore an easy, inexpensive step toward greater transparency.

Having spoken publicly at many port meetings, I find that the final reporting of public comments in their "minutes" is perfunctory at best, often leaving out highly important, pivotal information. Without an audio tape, the port is freely allowed the opportunity for denial.

Maybe it's time for a change.

Norm Osterman, Walla Walla