Brown suggests putting records advocate under secty. of state

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Gov. Kate Brown is open to housing a public records advocate in the Secretary of State’s office, rather than under her control.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (https://is.gd/TPZNiG ) that Brown, who ran on a platform of ethics reform, has proposed creating a records advocate but has repeatedly wavered on who should direct the new position. On Monday, Brown’s counsel on government accountability, Emily Matasar, said the position would be under the Secretary of State.

A bill in the Legislature filed at the request of Brown would create a public records advocate. The advocate would serve as a mediator between journalists, citizens and public agencies.

Matasar said Monday in a Legislative hearing that Brown is in talks to put the position under the Secretary of State, where the state archives are housed.