The Washington Coalition for Open Government represents individuals and organizations intent on preserving and protecting Washington's Open Government Laws - Open Records and Open Meetings. Its mission is to represent the public in matters where open government issues are raised, are threatened, or deserves broader exposure.

The Coalition conducts public workshops and forums around the state, involving the public, public officials, and the media in discussing government accessibility as provided in the various statutes that assure such access and accountability from our public agencies.


NEWS ARTICLES


Appointment of auditor should be done openly
The News Tribune: December 26, 2008

It's an understatement to say the United States is a democracy. This nation elects more of its officials - right on down to sewer, water and park commissioners - than any other country in the world. Read More



Pierce County Council won't disclose auditor applicants
The News Tribune: December 23, 2008

As of yesterday morning, 19 people had applied for the Pierce County auditor's job. But you may never know who they are.

Susan Long, attorney for the county council, said the applications are exempt from public disclosure under state law. She cited this RCW, which states that "all applications for public employment, including the names Read More

Feds' lack of preserving digital records reaching urgent stage
Nextgov: December 17, 2008

A group sounded the alarm on Tuesday over the government's inability to store its ever-increasing electronic information.

"The problem is urgent," said Fran Berman, director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center and professor of high-performance computing at the University of California-San Diego. Read More

Fox Business Network sues Treasury over disclosure
BailoutSleuth.com: December 18, 2008

Fox Business Network said Thursday it filed suit against the Treasury Department, seeking to force the agency to turn over information on its bailout deals with American International Group Inc., Citigroup Inc. and Bank of New York Mellon. Read More



Update on Freedom of Information Act requests
BailoutSleuth.com: December 16, 2008

In early November, BailoutSleuth sent six Freedom of Information Act requests to the Treasury Department, seeking unredacted copies of the contracts it signed with six outside consultants on the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. Read More



Obama Should Move Government Into 21st Century Transparency
The Examiner: December 17, 2008

Do we want a government that is open and accountable? The obvious answer is yes. Unfortunately, roughly three-quarters of Americans believe the federal government is secretive and increasing in its secrecy. Read More




Panelists push Web-savvy, open government
Nextgov: December 15, 2008

Fast-forward 10 or 20 years and you might see a Congress that passes "wikied" legislation created by millions of Americans, a president who submits a daily diary via video, and a vast online repository of all the Freedom of Information Act requests ever submitted. Read More



Hiding $2,000,000,000,000.00
Og-Blog: December 13, 2008

Bloomberg News sought records from the Federal Reserve about where $2 trillion in bailout loans went.

The Fed won't release the records under the Freedom of Information Act. Read More



Judge Hears Suit Against Former Port of Tahuya Commissioners
Kitsap Sun: December 9, 2008

A lawsuit filed nearly five years ago alleging violations by two former Port of Tahuya commissioners finally made it before a judge this week in Shelton. Read More



Gov. Gregoire's economic stimulus
brainstorming is solid approach to finding ideas
Union Bulletin: December 14, 2008

It's clear that the current economic downturn hit so quickly and deeply that it's going to take more than a federal stimulus package to get things back on track.

That's why it was a wise move by Gov. Chris Gregoire to bring together a group of 17 that includes CEOs, venture capitalists, investors, builders, labor representatives and two university presidents to brainstorm on ways to improve the state's economy. Read More




click here to read all news stories