I’ve had several folks ask me how the committee that recommended three finalists for Pierce County auditor could meet behind closed doors to discuss their qualifications.

At Wednesday’s meeting, County Council attorney Susan Long cited a provision of the state Open Meetings Act that lists numerous circumstances under which a government body can meet in closed session. Among them:

RCW 42.30.110 (h): To evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office. However, any interview of such candidate and final action appointing a candidate to elective office shall be in a meeting open to the public.

That doesn’t mean the process couldn’t have been more open. Local Democrats say they’ll make that argument in a lawsuit they plan to file by next week.

(Photo: allegri.)

Julie Murray will be replacing Scott Merriman, who -- ironically, I guess -- left Gov. Chris Gregoire's office last year to go work for the Washington State Association of Counties.

It's not quite a straight swap, but close enough.

The "legislative director" is the one who has the day to day talks with legislative budget writers to try to persuade them to go along with the specifics in the governor's budget proposal.

With a $6 billion deficit, it should be an interesting year for everyone.

State budget office names new legislative director

OLYMPIA – The Office of Financial Management announces the appointment of Julie Murray as its new legislative director. Murray has extensive experience in the governmental affairs area, having handled legislative responsibilities for several organizations, including the Washington State Association of Counties, where she has served as policy director for the past three years. She was previously employed by the Washington State Department of Revenue, Metropolitan King County Council and Washington State Farm Bureau.

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