Becky Chiao selected as Oregon's new Public Records Advocate

SALEM, Ore. — Governor Brown’s office announced Friday that Becky Chiao will be Oregon’s new Public Records Advocate.

As Public Records Advocate, Chiao will be responsible for public records requests, any disputes that may arise, and conduct trainings on requirements and best practices throughout the state of Oregon.

KATU previously reported that Oregon former public records advocate, Ginger McCall, resigned in September 2019, citing inappropriate pressure from the governor’s office to represent its interests.

RELATED| Oregon public records advocate resigns, citing 'abuse of authority'

In her resignation letter to Gov. Kate Brown, McCall said the Governor’s Office and her general counsel did not share the view that the Office of the Public Records Advocate is supposed to “operate with a high degree of independence” and “to serve the public interest.”

McCall went on to say that she received “meaningful pressure from the Governor’s General Counsel to represent the Governor’s Office’s interests on the Public Records Advisory Council, even when those interests conflict with the will of the Council and the mandate of the Office of the Public Records Advocate.”

Governor Brown said she was surprised by McCall's allegations, and it appeared it was a "situation where staff were conflicted between the goals of serving the Governor and promoting the cause of transparency."

The governor said she agrees with McCall that the public records advocate should be a "truly independent position."

Deputy Public Records Advocate Todd Albert has been serving as acting public records advocate since McCall’s resignation.

Chiao’s appointment is effective August 3 and is subject to Senate confirmation.