Nominations are now open for WCOG’s annual awards, recognizing individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of open government in Washington. Nominations are due by May 31 for the 2018 James Madison, James Anderson and Kenneth Bunting Awards.
WCOG recently presented Okanogan County Watch with a Key Award for its advocacy of open government in Okanogan County. The Okanogan County Watch (OCW), is a countywide group of volunteers who post notes and occasional videos of County Commissioner meetings on its website, www.countywatch.org.
The 2018 Legislature has adjourned, and the work for open government continues. When Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed SB6617, which would have exempted the state legislature from the Public Records Act, it was with a promise that legislators would meet with stakeholders to craft a new bill for the 2019 session. WCOG expects to be involved, although no task force has yet convened.
