STAUNTON — More than 70 city officials, reporters, legislators, educators and concerned citizens gathered over two days ending Friday at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel for the annual conference of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government.
In addressing issues of government transparency, panel discussions focused on state legislation about the secrecy of juries and the process of selecting judges.
Speakers also considered the administration of President Barack Obama.
Lawrence McConnell, coalition president and publisher of The (Charlottesville) Daily Progress, called conference themes “topical for today and of a lasting impact in the state.”
“There’s some real serious issues with the open courts when we have jurors’ identities concealed,” McConnell said about the day’s first topic.
Panelists’ verdict on Obama administration transparency: “Not getting it done on that front,” McConnell said.
Lee Wolverton, The News Virginian editor and general manager, and Chris Graham, Augusta Free Press publisher and blogger, spoke during a Freedom of Information Act 101 panel Friday afternoon. Both emphasized establishing good relationships with city officials before demanding city records.
“But it’s not just a bunch of media types,” McConnell said of the coalition. “We also have librarians, we have lawyers, members of the General Assembly, government officials.”
McConnell said the coalition is pushing to speak in front of more community groups to raise awareness of open government laws.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement