Residents, commissioners criticize state committee for limiting testimony at Salem hearings

Multiple members of the public and at least two county commissioners told the Crook County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday that they were frustrated by the experience of attending committee hearings at the state capitol in Salem, where they said testimony opportunities were delayed or curtailed.

A public commenter said they attended hearings earlier in the week and that the committee changed its schedule without explanation, leaving those who traveled "sitting there for three hours and had no opportunity at all." The commenter said the group was present for bills listed in the transcript as 3075 and 3076 and felt the committee chair did not acknowledge or manage the public testimony as expected.

Another speaker said they had registered to testify on bills transcribed as "33 49 and 33 50" and that while some testimony was taken, the schedule was altered and many who traveled were not given the chance to speak. Commissioners and commenters said the process left them feeling unheard and that the committee's unpredictable schedule wasted travel time.

Speakers recommended committees provide clearer schedules and adhere to posted agendas so that traveling members of the public can plan testimony. Commissioners in the meeting agreed with the commenters' frustration and described written testimony submitted through Olis but said the in-person experience differed from expectations.

The board did not take an action on this public comment; the remarks were recorded during the work session's public comment period.