Campus visits for the finalists in the search for the next president of Eastern Oregon University have begun. The Oregon University System has all four of the finalists visiting the EOU campus for two days each this week and next.
The process established by the chancellor’s office appears to cover most bases. The finalists are meeting with most segments of the university, from students to staff. Time has been set aside for each of the candidates to attend a public reception. Local residents who want to meet the candidates have that opportunity. The first reception was held Tuesday with Linda Rinker. Receptions for the others will be held in Inlow 201 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday (Robert Davies), Tuesday (Charles Harrington) and Feb. 27 (Thomas Krepel). Local residents who have an interest in the university and its importance to the community should consider taking the time to meet and greet the finalists. Open campus forums precede each reception from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Hoke Main Lounge.
The finalists will each experience two full days of interviews and meetings with various groups, including a meeting with The Observer’s editorial board. Our interviews with the candidates, along with their appearance at open campus forums, will be featured in the newspaper.
The process the OUS has set up, though rushed since the time the finalists were announced last week, seems comprehensive and provides an opportunity for people to meet the finalists. Students, staff and the community should take advantage of that opportunity.
Get ’em, congressman
Our congressman, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, deserves to be commended for his actions last week in putting Peanut Corp. of America CEO Stewart Parnell’s feet to the fire in a congressional hearing.
Walden didn’t mince words in asking Parnell if he was willing to eat products that had been recalled because of possible salmonella contamination from Parnell’s plant.
“Will you be willing to take the lid off and eat these products now?’’ Walden asked.
Parnell declined, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
The ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation didn’t generate any answers from the tainted peanut king, but Walden did generate a lot of news coverage and drew attention to the need for better oversight of and cooperation from companies that process food.
Walden delivered a strong message.
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Opinion 
