Oregon Judge Rules City Councilor’s Notes Are Not Public

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon judge has ruled records created by local government officials are not public and do not have to be disclosed.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Thursday that the ruling was made in a lawsuit brought by 19-year-old Rory Bialostosky, who wants a city councilor’s notes made public.

The Clackamas County Circuit Court judge ruled last week that the public is not entitled to notes West Linn City Councilor Teri Cummings made during official meetings.

The judge says Oregon public records law written in the 1970s clearly and intentionally applies only to records of local government entities such as commissions and councils, not individual officials.

Cummings says the decision clarifies “an important legal point” for public officials.

Bialostosky represented himself but says he is seeking legal advice about a possible appeal.