A recent invitation by the Benton Co. GOP and The Washington Patriot PAC noted a $20 charge to “cover expenses” for a class on “how to obtain information And [sic] catch Democrat and RINO CORRUPTION.”
The event appeared to violate the rule of the Mid-Columbia Libraries that prohibits charging for events held in meeting rooms. Associate Director of Communications Carlos Orozco wrote the Observer and confirmed the rules which also provides that all meetings be open to the public.
In a telephone conversation with Benton County Republican Chair David Comstock he said that he had not previously reserved a library meeting room and wasn’t aware of the rule on charges until two days ago. He said that admission will now be free. Donations will be accepted.
The Observer asked Orozco in an email if groups sign paperwork that provides the rules for using the library facilities.
Orozco responded, “Our practice is for library staff to review and reference the meeting room policy with the customer at the time of reservation. We do not currently require customers to sign documentation regarding meeting room use.”
According to Orozco, when the library became aware of the issue, the “customer who made the booking of the meeting room was notified and there will be no charge for the event.”
Am I reading this wrong or does it seem odd to anyone else that Republican Chair David Comstock said he had never reserved a meeting room at the library, but now the meeting he never reserved a room for will be free?
Hi Tim, I appreciate your comment and I admit to some sloppy wording. I added the word “previously” to the sentence to indicate that the DOGE workshop was the first time that David Comstock had reserved a meeting room at the library. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy
These guys been using the Library as a business for Financial planners for years now they mostly host Hanford Wotkers on off Fridays. The rules use to say a meeting couldn’t sell stuff but they jumped over that line years ago so I bet they have changed that rule also.
Hi Mike, I appreciate your comment. It appears to me that how you describe the “fee” means everything. Apparently, “donations” are okay. I’m not sure how the financial planners do it. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy