OLYMPIA - Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna has appointed Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, to the state's Open Government Task Force.
     The group is charged with finding efficient and effective ways to address public records requests while reducing costs to governmental agencies.
     "This is truly an honor and a group in which I know can make a difference for the citizens of the state," said Kretz, who serves as the deputy leader for House Republicans.
     "The government at every level is supposed to serve the public, and everyone has a right to ask to review documents prepared by the government," he said. "That said, there have been some abuses in the system, costly litigation and legitimate questions raised that I hope this task force will address."
     Directives to the task force include looking at what other states are doing to resolve open record request disputes. The group will look at how to avoid litigation by using mediation, dispute resolution and legislative reforms.
     The goal is to ensure public records requests are handled in the best possible way without costing citizens requesting records and state and local governments exorbitant amounts of money, Kretz's office said.
     "One key element the group will study is how to train governmental officials about their responsibilities under the Open Public Records Act," said Kretz. "I think many of the disputes over requests are due to a lack of understanding of this complex law."