Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. statement, September 9, 1999

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jill Homan September 9, 1999 202/225-3061 STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., REGARDING THE MEETING OF THE MARYLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBLE USE OF “SITE 104м Ehrlich supports open meeting; will not attend if meeting is closed to the public Washington, D. C.~ "I support the ongoing dredging of the Port of Baltimore and have pledged to work with Port officials, private businesses and conservation groups to identify acceptable spoil disposal sites to support dredging. In light of the importance of this issue, the entire Maryland Congressional Delegation has a duty to join in this important effort. The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 1999 in Washington is an excellent opportunity for delegation members to come together to listen to experts share their opinions about safe and effective spoil disposal plans. As Maryland’s elected officials, we represent all the people of Maryland and make informed decisions on their behalf. Therefore, I believe this meeting must be open to the public and provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment and testimony. We are public officials, discussing a matter of grave importance to the public, meeting in a public building. Shutting my constituents — or any other interested people — out of this meeting is a disservice. I am anxious to attend and listen carefully to what is presented at the meeting. But I will not do so unless it is open to the public."