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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for July 2018

Answers to Common Election Season Questions

Answers to Common Election Season Questions

July 26, 2018  by  Paul Sullivan
Category:  Elections

This blog post addresses election-related questions MRSC consultants often field from elected officials and local government employees — such as use of public facilities for political campaigns — and offers additional resources. 

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Do We Have to Obey the Mayor?

Do We Have to Obey the Mayor?

July 23, 2018  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Under Robert's Rules of Order and common parliamentary law the presiding officer of a governing body has certain rights — but so too do councilmembers, county commissioners, and directors of special districts — and no one has the authority to dominate the group.

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The Janus SCOTUS Decision: More Questions Than Answers

The Janus SCOTUS Decision: More Questions Than Answers

July 19, 2018  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Collective Bargaining ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions

MRSC Legal Consultant Linda Gallagher looks at the recent US Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME and provides some advice to local govenments in Washington State to ensure they are operating in compliance with the new requirements.

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Action Outside a Public Meeting, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Action Outside a Public Meeting, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

July 13, 2018  by  Paul Sullivan
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act

This blog reviews some of the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and what can go wrong if those requirements are not met (Hint:a lot). 

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Longtime Legal Staff Jim Doherty Retires from MRSC after 25 Years

Longtime Legal Staff Jim Doherty Retires from MRSC after 25 Years

July 11, 2018  by  Jim Doherty
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

Current Legal Manager and longtime MRSC staffmember, Jim Doherty, is retiring after providing guidance to local governments for 25 years. 

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Lynn Nordby Says Goodbye to MRSC

Lynn Nordby Says Goodbye to MRSC

July 6, 2018  by  Lynn Nordby
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

Public Policy and Management Consultant Lynn Nordby will be retiring from MRSC this month. 

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The Strong Roots of Community

The Strong Roots of Community

July 5, 2018  by  Lynn Nordby
Category:  Inclusive Communities

Real leadership is shown when someone can build a narrative of shared responsibility and values, argues Public Policy and Management Consultant Lynn Nordby.

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Agency Size Can Influence PRA Penalties

Agency Size Can Influence PRA Penalties

July 2, 2018  by  Foster Pepper
Category:  Guest Author ,  Public Records Act

The Washington Court of Appeals recently ruled that the Superior Court is permitted to consider a municipality's size when setting penalties under the Public Records Act (PRA).

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Safe, Convenient Drug Disposal Coming Soon to Your Neighborhood

Safe, Convenient Drug Disposal Coming Soon to Your Neighborhood

July 2, 2018  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Health and Human Services

ESHB 1047, or the Secure Drug Take-Back Act will bring a system of secure drug drop sites in every city and town across Washington for collection of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines by 2020. 

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